Apprentice Boys parade underway as thousands of spectators line streets of Londonderry
The Relief of Derry parade commemorates the raising of the siege on the city on August 1, 1689.
This lasted 105 days during the Williamite War. The annual celebrations also remember the 13 apprentice boys who at the time closed Derry's gates to keep King James II's forces out in December 1688.
The main parades come after a week of celebrations during the Maiden City Festival.
The symbolic firing of a cannon took place on Derry's walls at midnight ahead of the parade.
The main parade started at 12.30pm at Craigavon Bridge, headed by the Saracen Truth Defenders Flute Band of Glasgow.
It is passing through the city centre then the Fountain Estate. Marchers will make their way back across the bridge to finish at Bond Street.
During the march, from noon to 5pm, visitors will see gunners firing muskets, as well as the cannons used in the 17th century war, at Society Street car park.
News Catch Up - Friday 8th August
Some traffic diversions will be in place to accommodate the parade making its way through the city.
'On-street parking anywhere on the parade route will be restricted for the duration of the parade,' a PSNI spokesperson said.
'Any cars parked on the parade route will not be able to move until the parade has passed their point. Information about diversions and road closures will be signposted.
'The top deck of Craigavon Bridge will be closed for the duration of the parade as it is part of the main parade route.
'The lower deck of Craigavon Bridge will remain open in both directions, but with access only onto Victoria Road.
'There will be no left-turn access from the bottom deck of Craigavon Bridge for drivers coming from the Cityside.
'The road between the lower deck of Craigavon Bridge and Dales Corner will be closed for the duration of the parade and will have access for parade bus traffic only.
'Ebrington complex is accessible via Limavady Road.'
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Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Apprentice Boys parade underway as thousands of spectators line streets of Londonderry
Parades on the wall began at 9.30am this morning, with a main parade made up of bands from Northern Ireland and Scotland moving off at 12.30pm. The Relief of Derry parade commemorates the raising of the siege on the city on August 1, 1689. This lasted 105 days during the Williamite War. The annual celebrations also remember the 13 apprentice boys who at the time closed Derry's gates to keep King James II's forces out in December 1688. The main parades come after a week of celebrations during the Maiden City Festival. The symbolic firing of a cannon took place on Derry's walls at midnight ahead of the parade. The main parade started at 12.30pm at Craigavon Bridge, headed by the Saracen Truth Defenders Flute Band of Glasgow. It is passing through the city centre then the Fountain Estate. Marchers will make their way back across the bridge to finish at Bond Street. During the march, from noon to 5pm, visitors will see gunners firing muskets, as well as the cannons used in the 17th century war, at Society Street car park. News Catch Up - Friday 8th August Some traffic diversions will be in place to accommodate the parade making its way through the city. 'On-street parking anywhere on the parade route will be restricted for the duration of the parade,' a PSNI spokesperson said. 'Any cars parked on the parade route will not be able to move until the parade has passed their point. Information about diversions and road closures will be signposted. 'The top deck of Craigavon Bridge will be closed for the duration of the parade as it is part of the main parade route. 'The lower deck of Craigavon Bridge will remain open in both directions, but with access only onto Victoria Road. 'There will be no left-turn access from the bottom deck of Craigavon Bridge for drivers coming from the Cityside. 'The road between the lower deck of Craigavon Bridge and Dales Corner will be closed for the duration of the parade and will have access for parade bus traffic only. 'Ebrington complex is accessible via Limavady Road.'
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Apprentice Boys: Thousands to take part in Relief of Derry parade
Thousands of people are expected in Londonderry for the annual Apprentice Boys' Relief of Derry parade on is one of the biggest loyal order parades in Northern Ireland and marks the anniversary of the ending of the Siege of Derry in 10,000 Apprentice Boys and 124 bands will make their way around the city's historic walls as part of the parading of the wall's following a wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial in the Diamond, the procession will go to St Columb's Cathedral for a religious service before the main parade. What is the Relief of Derry parade? The Relief of Derry parade is held on the second Saturday in August each year, to commemorate the ending of the 105-day siege of the city in August took place against the background of an attempt by the deposed Catholic King James II to regain his crown from his Protestant son-in-law, King William known as William of Orange, or King Billy, the new monarch was supported by Protestants in Derry, who shut the gates of the walled city to keep out the advancing Jacobite ending of the siege is known as the Relief of Derry. Speaking ahead of the event, the governor of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, William Walker, said marking the Siege of Derry was still relevant today."I think it's very important that everybody learns the history of why the Apprentice Boys are here," he said."It's not just about flags, drums, and bands."It's about the significance of what the brave 13 [Apprentice Boys] did – what the people endured during the 105 days of the siege."Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme, Mr Walker said the event attracted people from "all walks of life" and they had done a lot of work to make the event more inclusive."We want everyone to come here and feel safe and comfortable to sit and watch the parade," he said."Where we have come from to now has been a vast improvement, and I commend all the hard work that has been done in the past."Mr Walker said the Apprentice Boys of Derry had spoken to the police and other agencies to ensure the event runs smoothly. Timetable of events Cannon Firing (midnight)Celebrations begin at midnight on the second Saturday in August with cannon fire on the Walls by members of the Parent Club and the Crimson the Walls (9:30 BST)Eight parent clubs, led by the General Committee and bands, parade around the of Thanksgiving (10:30)A public service is held at St. Columb's Cathedral, open to all brethren, band members and the of Derry Pageant (12:00)About 10,000 Apprentice Boys and 124 bands will parade through the city, starting at Craigavon bridge, passing through the city centre, Fountain estate, Waterside and concluding at May Parade (17:00)The parent clubs and general committee return the colours to the memorial hall. The parade moves from May Street via Spencer Road and Craigavon Bridge, through the Walled City. Motorists should allow extra time The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has said a number of road closures will be in place throughout the are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and take extra care on diversionary will be no on-street parking along the parade route; parked cars cannot be moved until the parade has top deck of Craigavon Bridge will be closed during the parade, while the lower deck will remain open but with access only onto Victoria section from Craigavon Bridge to Dales Corner will be closed to general traffic, with access permitted for parade buses will be deployed throughout the city to help with any traffic issues.
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Thousands to gather for Apprentice Boys parade in Derry
Parades on the wall begin at 9.30am on Saturday, with a main parade made up of bands from Northern Ireland and Scotland commencing at 12.30pm. The Relief of Derry parade commemorates the raising of the siege on the city on August 1, 1689. This lasted 105 days during the Williamite War. The annual celebrations also remember the 13 apprentice boys who at the time closed Derry's gates to keep King James II's forces out in December 1688. The main parades come after a week of celebrations during the Maiden City Festival. The symbolic firing of a cannon will take place on Derry's walls at midnight ahead of Saturday's parade. At 9.30am on Saturday, eight parent clubs of the Apprentice Boys will take to the city's walls. The group will then make its way to St Columb's Cathedral to lay a wreath as it passes Derry's war memorial. A 10.30am service will be held at the cathedral. The main parade will start at 12.30pm at Craigavon Bridge, headed by the Saracen Truth Defenders Flute Band of Glasgow. It will pass through the city centre then the Fountain Estate. Marchers will make their way back across the bridge to finish at Bond Street. During the march, from noon to 5pm, visitors will see gunners firing muskets, as well as the cannons used in the 17th century war, at Society Street car park. News Catch Up - Friday 8th August Some traffic diversions will be in place to accommodate the parade making its way through the city. 'On-street parking anywhere on the parade route will be restricted for the duration of the parade,' a PSNI spokesperson said. 'Any cars parked on the parade route will not be able to move until the parade has passed their point. Information about diversions and road closures will be signposted. 'The top deck of Craigavon Bridge will be closed for the duration of the parade as it is part of the main parade route. 'The lower deck of Craigavon Bridge will remain open in both directions, but with access only onto Victoria Road. 'There will be no left-turn access from the bottom deck of Craigavon Bridge for drivers coming from the Cityside. 'The road between the lower deck of Craigavon Bridge and Dales Corner will be closed for the duration of the parade and will have access for parade bus traffic only. 'Ebrington complex is accessible via Limavady Road.'
