In celebration of the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, Pettigo District Loyal Orange Lodge (LOL) Coronation Committee hosted an afternoon of events in Kesh on Sunday, May 7.

The celebrations began with a parade through Kesh village, which included nine local bands, and a number of Orange lodges.

Following the parade, there was an open air service conducted by Canon Alan Irwin, Rev. Charles Eames, Rev. Raymond Robinson, Canon Billy Johnson and Rev. Abraham Storey, with musical accompaniment provided by Churchill Silver Band.

The celebrations continued with a musical programme featuring The Silver Tones, Fermanagh’s finest male voice choir; Clara Wilson, a classically-trained soprano who has performed all across Ireland in concert halls and theatres; and Kenny Archer, a popular Country Gospel singer and recording artist.

Describing the Coronation celebrations in Kesh as "amazing", Gary Wilson, District Master of Pettigo District LOL and Chairman of the Coronation Committee, said: ""The people wanted to mark the Coronation because of their loyalty to the monarchy. They still see the monarchy as playing an important role and being part of our lives, our culture and our part of the United Kingdom.

We had a brilliant turnout. There were people of all ages, from far and wide, and we had nine bands in attendance, along with a large turnout of Orange men and women."

"We were honoured to have the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Major Shaun Pendry and Mrs. Pendry attend and we were also delighted to have a band from Co. Donegal, who took great pleasure and were thrilled to be attending to honour the King and celebrate the Coronation as well."

Commenting on that they were "blessed with brilliant weather" throughout the afternoon, which helped the events run smoothly, Gary added: "It was a great afternoon. The service was very appropriate with fantastic music.

"We gave thanks at the service for the new King and then we celebrated a little bit afterwards," he told this newspaper.