Members of the Royal Black Institution have taken part in events at several locations across Northern Ireland on Saturday.

Thousands of people looked on as several preceptories (branches) staged a "sham fight" at Scarva in County Down.

It was the annual re-enactment of the victory of William of Orange in the 1690 Battle of the Boyne over Catholic King James II.

The Royal Black Institution came into existence in Ireland in 1797 - two years after the formation of the Orange Order.

It says its foundations are "based firmly on scriptural truths and the propagation of the Christian reformed faith".

The Royal Black Preceptory is a higher order of the Loyal Orange Institution.

Preceptories from Portadown, Newry, Tandragee, Markethill, Banbridge, Rathfriland and Lower Iveagh took part in the annual Scarva event.

Community relations

Thousands of "blackmen", with accompanying bands, attended the march through the narrow streets of Scarva.

Other demonstrations attended by the majority of preceptories are held on the last Saturday in August each year, usually across six different venues.

The Northern Ireland Parades Commission placed restrictions on a Black Institution parade in Lurgan.

Re-enactment of the victory

It said it was aware parts of the County Armagh town had seen sectarian tension and division and recognised there continued to be a strain on community relations.

In its determination, the commission said it had "cause to believe that should the parade process the entirety of its notified route, there would be an adverse effect on community relations and a potential for public disorder".

It said on the notified outward route, no music should be played from when the parade enters Church Place at its junction with Market Street, while in William Street and until it exits Church Place at its junction with Market Street.

The commission said on its notified return route the parade should not enter William Street.

The Black Institution events follow the annual Twelfth of July celebrations on Friday when tens of thousands of Orangemen gathered at 19 venues across Northern Ireland.