Thousands gather for Apprentice Boys’ parade

Thousands of people have gathered 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.

The Apprentice Boys’ general committee, with eight parent clubs accompanied by nine bands, have made their way around the city’s historic walls as part of the parading of the walls ceremony.

After a wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial in the Diamond, there will be a religious service at St Columb’s Cathedral ahead of the main parade involving Apprentice Boys members from across Northern Ireland.

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.

The governor of the Apprentice Boys, Graeme Stenhouse, said it was important the day passed off peacefully and the march would be respectful.

Speaking ahead of the event, he described the annual event as “a celebration” and said it was important members of the loyal order and their supporters had an enjoyable day.

“The Apprentice Boys have come on leaps and bounds over the past 25 years and we are going from strength-to-strength and our numbers are continuing to grow,” he said.

“The story of the Siege of Londonderry and the sacrifices continue to be told by the organization and we hope it can continue for us to go forward in the future.”

This year, Mr Stenhouse said, 5,000 members of the loyal order are expected to take part in the commemoration, accompanied by 130 bands.

I have praised the work that goes on behind the scenes before the organization’s two major annual events in August and December.

“We are extremely proud of our culture, our history, our tradition and our identity and it’s important that is recognized by all communities,” he said.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said a number of road closures will be in place throughout the day.

Officers are deployed to help with any traffic issues that may arise and will also be present at a number of bus and train stations.