Thousands attend Last Saturday parades across Northern Ireland

Thousands of members of the Royal Black Institution and supporters have taken part in the organisation's annual Last Saturday demonstrations across Northern Ireland.

The parades, which mark the traditional finale of the summer marching season, were held in five locations, with County Down's flagship demonstration taking place in Newry.

About 17,000 members and supporters attended the events throughout the day, with 300 marching bands taking part in parades and demonstrations.

The event remains one of the most significant dates in the Royal Black Institution's calendar.

The parade in Newry got under way after 12:00 BST.

Demonstrations also took place in Larne, Dungannon, Dundonald and Coleraine and attracted participants from across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and overseas.

Large crowds lined routes as lodges paraded through their respective host towns, ahead of the traditional platform proceedings and religious address, before they make their way back along the return route.

The Sovereign Grand Master, Rev William Anderson, addressed members during the day's proceedings.

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson was among those attending the demonstrations on Saturday.

The Royal Black Institution has about 17,000 members. While most are based in Northern Ireland, there are preceptories in Scotland, England, the Republic of Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The institution was founded in Ireland in 1797, two years after the formation of the Orange Order. It describes itself as being based on the teachings of Holy Scripture and committed to the furtherance of the Christian message of the Cross.

Members are known as Sir Knights.

The organisation's two principal annual demonstrations are the Sham Fight on 13 July and the Last Saturday demonstration at the end of August.