Relief of Derry parade draws thousands to city

The annual Apprentice Boys' Relief of Derry parade is taking place in Londonderry, with thousands expected to attend the event.

One of Northern Ireland's largest loyal order parades, it commemorates the relief of the city at the end of the 1689 Siege of Derry.

More than 7,000 Apprentice Boys members, alongside 124 bands, are taking part in the traditional parading of the city's historic walls.

Governor of the Apprentice Boys of Derry William Walker said the day, which marks the 337th anniversary of the ending of the 105-day siege, combines both commemoration with celebration.

Walker said Saturday's events remembered the events of 1689 and celebrated the heritage passed down in the years since.

"Remembering what happened in the city all those years ago is the most significant aspect of the day."

In the first parade on Saturday morning local Apprentice Boys and several bands completed a circuit of the city's historic walls.

Members attended a service of thanksgiving in St Columb's Cathedral before a pageant re-enacting the Siege of Derry.

The main parade got underway at lunchtime. Police have advised of some traffic delays throughout the day.

Walker said a blueprint to ensure the parade in Derry runs smoothly has been well established over the last 30 years.

"We try and make sure there is minimum disruption on the day because there are other people in the city, people trading, people in the shops," Walker said.

Discussions with various agencies in the city, he added, had been ongoing since January.

He said he hoped those coming to Derry to take part or watch would enjoy the day and show respect to an historic day and to the city.

"Come and enjoy it, come to remember the events in the city in 1689, come with dignity and with respect," Walker said.

David Hoey, general secretary of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, said the celebrations would provide a major boost to the local economy.

Hoey said that, alongside members travelling by coach and bus, increasing numbers of family members will be attending to enjoy the colour and spectacle of the day.

He said that, due to the number of visitors to the city, accommodation has been booked up months in advance and that the influx of visitors is expected to benefit hotels, restaurants, pubs and other local businesses throughout the weekend.

Neil Lal, chairman and president of the Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom, told BBC News NI that "this is a fantastic day to respect the tradition and the culture" of the people of Londonderry and Northern Ireland.

"I've learnt so much about the history of the siege and also the love the Apprentice Boys and also Londonderry for all faiths and all cultures," he said.

The Relief of Derry parade is held on the second Saturday in August each year, to commemorate the ending of the 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 August parade is one of two the Apprentice Boys hold in the city each year.

On the first Saturday of December, a parade marks the shutting of the gates on 7 December 1688 by 13 apprentices and the beginning of the siege.

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

Drivers are being advised to plan ahead, allow additional time for their journeys, and take care when using diversion routes.

Traffic diversions and delays were expected from about 09:00 BST on Saturday, as the main Apprentice Boys of Derry parade began at 12:30.

Parking restrictions will be in place along the parade route, with vehicles left there unable to be moved until the parade has passed.

The top deck of Craigavon Bridge will be closed for the duration of the parade, while the lower deck will remain open with restricted access.

Drivers travelling to the city centre are advised to use Foyle Bridge where appropriate and to follow signed diversions.

Road closures and diversions will remain in place until the main parade and associated feeder parades have concluded.

PSNI officers will be stationed throughout the city to assist with traffic management and address any issues.