An Orange Order parade on Garvaghy Road in Portadown was blocked on Sunday despite a court allowing it to proceed, after nearly 2,000 protesters gathered overnight and closed the route.

Northern Ireland's Parades Commission had approved the march for Sept 27 — the first such permission in about 28 years. It was limited to 35 participants, an 8am start, a 9:30am dispersal, and no bands or supporters.

The Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition challenged the decision. The Belfast High Court issued a temporary injunction, the Court of Appeal overturned it, and a further High Court sitting ending at 2:15am Sunday allowed the march to proceed. "There's no such thing as justice or rights for our community," said Breandan Mac Cionnaith of the residents' coalition.

Protesters — including First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald — blocked the route, so the marchers could not proceed at the permitted time. The PSNI police said the march could not continue until talks were completed. Marchers turned back on Sunday evening as the standoff continued into the night. Context: the Drumcree dispute has long symbolized sectarian division in Northern Ireland, and this year's court-approved march has become its latest flashpoint.