Latest news with #MaidenCityFestival
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
MLA accuses some loyalist bands of ‘disgusting lack of respect for people of Derry' after Apprentice Boys parade
An image was widely shared of a bus load of some visitors to the city urinating at a roadside on the Culmore Road. Similar incidents were observed in other parts of the city. The 'East Bank Protestant Boys Londonderry' paraded around the Derry Walls with a banner of Gary Lynch, listed in the CAIN Troubles archive as a member of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA). According to CAIN, Lynch was shot dead by the IRA in August 1991. Also on Saturday at the ABOD parade, the Tullycarnet Flute Band from east Belfast carried a banner with a UDA emblem on it as they marched from the Waterside area and through the city centre. Foyle MLA, Pádraig Delargy, said: "Once again, visiting loyalist bands have shown a disgusting lack of respect for the people of Derry. "Those organising these events must take responsibility and ensure we don't see a repeat of these scenes and other offensive behaviour." When asked to comment on these incidents, the Apprentice Boys of Derry General Secretary said: 'We'll be sitting down in the next week or so to thoroughly review all reports, debrief with the PSNI and our Marshal team, to take action as appropriate and to carry forward learning points on how to improve further for the future.' He was asked what substantive actions ABOD has taken after past incidents and whether any bands have been banned from attending. And why the Tullycarnet Flute Band was not listed as taking part in the main parade on the Parades Commission website. No further response was provided. In recent times a band wore uniforms in support of a man known as Soldier F from the Parachute Regiment, who is accused of murdering two men on Bloody Sunday. Separately, stalls were selling Parachute Regiment and UVF flags in the Waterside. Governor of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry William Walker said: 'The Association has worked hard to ensure an enjoyable day for all in Londonderry for our Annual Commemorations. "It has been an outstanding day of colour and pageant, Commemoration and celebration 'Our thanks to the PSNI, Translink and Council departments we have worked with over the past six months and more to bring everything together and for their support in undertaking changes that have improved movement around the City for those on parade and for the general public. Watch: Shrapnel damage caused to multiple houses as residents report 'loud bang' after explosion 'We'd like to thank the Maiden City Festival who entertained visitors from across the World on the Walls in St. Columb's Cathedral and in the Memorial Hall. 'Visitors have poured through the doors of the Siege Museum individually and on booked tours learning about the Siege, the Apprentice Boys and the City. "The Festival continues to set the mood ahead of the main event at the weekend.'
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- General
- 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.'
Belfast Telegraph
4 days ago
- General
- 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.'
BBC News
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Maiden City Festival: Highland dancers join cultural celebrations
Highland dancers from Scotland have been performing on the historic city walls in Londonderry as part of the annual Maiden City features a host of cultural events leading up to the main Apprentice Boys demonstration this the first time, a group of dancers travelled from the Isle of Harris in Scotland to take part in the Georgina Kee-McCarter, from the Sollus Highland Dance group, said the event was about much more than just dancing. "We're extra excited this year as we've been joined by another dance school from the Isle of Harris and Lewis, which is way up at the top of Scotland," she said."They've brought their dancers here to compete alongside our girls. "They've had little pen pals, they've been sending letters back and forth, and today they're performing together on these city walls."It's about real friendships, real connections -and these kids had never met each other before this week." Visitors to the festival can also enjoy historical re-enactments, with actors in period costume sharing stories and yarns from the time of the Siege of director Jonathan Burgess said many visitors considered this a highlight of their trip to the city."The walls are still very underutilised," he said. "We think that's probably a legacy of The Troubles. "You don't get a lot of people up on them, but during this week, we've seen increasing numbers over the years."A lot of tourists are coming, especially from overseas and, of course, from down south [of the island] as well." The Governor of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, William Walker, said it was a wonderful week that celebrates the story of the Siege of Derry, while also offering tea dances, workshops and musical performances."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 did — what the people endured during the 105 days of the siege." For some of the young dancers, it's also a chance to build lasting friendships."I liked meeting all the dancers and forming new friendships and just seeing all the culture around here," said friend Erin, also from Harris, added: "It's been really good making new friends. "It's been really fun and I've enjoyed all of it - every bit."Eight-year-olds Piper and Jamie, who became pen pals before the event, are now close friends."We're very excited to meet each other and dance together," said Piper.
