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In photos: Eleventh night bonfires lit across Northern Ireland

News imagePacemaker Families Enjoying the children’s Bonfire at Ballysillan in North Belfast on the 11th NightPacemaker
News imagePA Media People watch the burning of the Craigyhill bonfire in Larne, Co Antrim, on the Eleventh night. ushering in the Twelfth commemorations. Picture date: Tuesday July 11, 2023.PA Media
Families enjoyed a children's bonfire in Ballysillan, north Belfast
Craigyhill bonfire in Larne is believed to be one of the world's tallest
  • Bonfires are lit in some unionist areas on 11 July to kick off the Twelfth celebrations
  • They mark the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 when the Protestant King William III defeated Catholic King James II
  • Bonfires were lit to welcome - and guide - King William
  • They are largely constructed from wooden pallets