This film, shot by Reverend Harold Allen, captures some of the festivities of Covenant Day. On the 28th of September 1962, the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Ulster Covenant in 1912 was commemorated, marking a protest against the Third Home Rule Bill. Nearly 500,000 men and women (each allocated different documents) signed, with Edward Carson being the first signatory.
In 1962, an estimated 15,000 people travelled to Belfast for the celebrations. A parade was held at the Balmoral Showgrounds, attended by former Northern Irish Prime Minister, Lord Brookeborough. The reel begins with preparations by a contingent from McCalmont Memorial Orange Hall in Ballyclare, as they travel to participate in the ceremony. The film captures a parade through the city center en route to the Balmoral Showgrounds and includes details of spectators in the crowd, including Reverend Allen’s family.