Members of the Orange Order arrived at Drumcree Church early on Sunday morning intending to begin the parade at 8am. The planned route would take the march along the Garvaghy Road, an area with a largely nationalist population.
The Parades Commission had granted permission for the procession, with the decision later upheld by the Belfast High Court during a late-night hearing. The court challenge had been described as unprecedented because of the timing of the proceedings.
Despite the legal ruling, protesters remained on the road, preventing the marchers from beginning the procession. The Orangemen subsequently returned inside Drumcree Church as they waited for police to clear the route.
It remains uncertain when the parade will be able to begin.
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant urged people on all sides to remain calm and follow the instructions of police officers. He said he was aware that the situation was causing concern among local communities.
Mr Bryant said he had been in regular contact with the Police Service of Northern Ireland and had also spoken with officers the previous evening.
He said Chief Constable Jon Boutcher had not asked the UK government to intervene over the parade.
According to the Secretary, police would continue managing the situation with the aim of preventing violence and disorder.
He also called on people with influence within the communities involved to encourage their supporters to obey the law and cooperate with officers.
Police have been engaging with representatives from the different groups involved as they attempt to manage the standoff.
The dispute comes almost three decades after the last Orange Order parade along the Garvaghy Road and has renewed concerns about divisions surrounding contentious parades in Northern Ireland.
