Latest news with #SiegeOfDerry
BBC News
5 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Apprentice Boys apologise after some members urinate near homes
The Apprentice Boys of Derry has issued an unreserved apology after an image was widely circulated on social media, appearing to show some members urinating near homes in secretary David Hoey condemned the incident in the Culmore Road area on Saturday as "disgusting" and "unacceptable" and said the loyal order would now try to identify the men involved. More than 10,000 members took part in the annual celebrations 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 1689. 'Unacceptable' Mr Hoey told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme that the incident had undermined what was otherwise a "successful day"."We have had messages from associations across the country saying how disgusted they were about this," Mr Hoey said."The governor made it clear last week that if you come to Londonderry, you respect Londonderry and you respect the city."We can only unreservedly apologise to the people of Culmore Road – they should not have had to see that."He stressed that the city "is in the heart and at the heart of our association" and that such actions "not only disrespected the city" but also undermined the purpose of the day itself. "What was an otherwise successful day, let's say, as it was a double-decker bus, about 40 or 50 people have ruined our image and created a social media storm," he said."It simply shouldn't have happened, and it has undermined all the good work that we have done over the past six months and it is unacceptable." Mr Hoey said the organisation would seek to identify those responsible and "deal with that robustly".He said there were "more toilet facilities than ever," and "there was no excuse for it"."We are absolutely across every detail of the parade, and we have a new team this year working hard to get things more right moving forward," he said. In a post on social media, Sinn Féin assembly member 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." 'A small minority creating issues' Commenting on the incident, the SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said "respect must go both ways"."Every year Derry opens its doors for the Apprentice Boys' march and other cultural events that are important to the unionist community," Durkan said. "While the vast majority of people take part in good faith and with positive intent, we have seen a small minority creating issues over the past few years."These events have for a long time stood as hallmark of tolerance and respect in the north, but it must be reciprocated. He said the police had a difficult job in "managing these situations", but "people can't be allowed to act with impunity". 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.
BBC News
7 days ago
- General
- 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.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
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 Saturday. It is one of the biggest loyal order parades in Northern Ireland and marks the anniversary of the ending of the Siege of Derry in 1689. Around 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 ceremony. Then, 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 1689. It 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 III. Also 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 army. The 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 Players. Parading the Walls (9:30 BST) Eight parent clubs, led by the General Committee and bands, parade around the Walls. Service of Thanksgiving (10:30) A public service is held at St. Columb's Cathedral, open to all brethren, band members and the public. Relief 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 Street. Return 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 day. Motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and take extra care on diversionary routes. There will be no on-street parking along the parade route; parked cars cannot be moved until the parade has passed. The top deck of Craigavon Bridge will be closed during the parade, while the lower deck will remain open but with access only onto Victoria Road. The section from Craigavon Bridge to Dales Corner will be closed to general traffic, with access permitted for parade buses only. Officers will be deployed throughout the city to help with any traffic issues. More on this story Ten officers injured during Londonderry disorder Apprentice Boys burn Lundy effigy after postponement
