Thousands take part in Relief of Derry parade

Keiron Tourish - BBC News NI

10 August 2024 at 5:34 pm·3-min read

A group of men in white shirts and white gloves carry drums — About 130 bands took part in Saturday's commemoration [BBC]

Thousands of people have taken part in the annual Apprentice Boys 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 main parade passed off without trouble.

However, on Saturday evening, some petrol bombs, fireworks and stones were thrown at police by nationalist youths in Nailors Row.

Earlier, 5,000 members of the Apprentice Boys, accompanied by 130 bands, took part in the demonstration.

It began on Saturday morning when local members and several bands completed a circuit of Londonderry's historic walls.

Bishop Street — Police said they were dealing with sporadic disorder in Londonderry [BBC]

After a wreath was laid at the cenotaph in the Diamond, there was a thanksgiving service at St Columb's Church of Ireland Cathedral.

Huge crowds watched a pageant re-enacting the Siege of Derry before the main parade got underway at lunchtime.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher watched the parade and spoke to colleagues who were part of a sizeable police presence on the ground.

Loyal order members march in uniform, some holding drums and some holding flags, on Londonderry's historic stone walls — The parade made its way around the city's historic walls [BBC]

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.

People lined up along the streets to watch the Apprentice Boys of Derry parade. Two statues are in the forefront of the image — People line the streets to watch the parade [BBC]

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.

Loyal order members parade the Scottish flag and the union flag with other banners — Some 5,000 members of the loyal order are expected to take part in the main commemoration [BBC]

"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 organisation and we hope it can continue for us to go forward in the future."

Loyal order members in uniform holding flags and banners — William of Orange, or King Billy, is pictured on some banners in the parade [BBC]

Mr Stenhouse praised the work that goes on behind the scenes before the organisation'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 recognised by all communities,” he said.