Derry Day Traditions Each year in August, the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry gather in Londonderry, to celebrate the events of August 1689. Having endured 105 days of attacks, hunger, disease and death, the inhabitants of Londonderry celebrated the ending of the longest siege in British military history. This event is held annually on the second Saturday in August, The Apprentice Boys of Derry “Relief of Derry” Commemorative events begin at midnight Friday, on the eve of the next day’s commemoration, with the firing of a cannon. 1 shot and then 3 shots symbolises the Thirteen Apprentice Boys who shut the gates against the advancing armies of King James. The celebrations have been an annual event since 1690 and are kept alive in much the same format to this day. The main elements of the celebrations have changed little in hundreds of years. The crimson flag flies and the bells ring from St Columbs Cathedral, as requested by Colonel Mitchelburne. Although the original cannon on the walls are no longer in working order, a cannon is still fired on the walls. And just like in 1690 a parade around the City celebrates the end of the siege. Perhaps the most important part of the days celebrations is a service of thanksgiving in St Columbs Cathedral, which played such an important role in the lives of the besieged. Celebrations Today Although parade routes have changed over the years, the day follows a similar pattern each year now. The traditional celebrations are now held annually on the second Saturday in August. The celebrations begin at midnight with the firing of a cannon on the city walls. The parade around the city begins at 9.30am with the eight Parent Clubs parading around the walls before walking to the cathedral. As the parade passes the War Memorial in the Diamond, a wreath is laid in remembrance of our fallen brethren and all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of civil and religious freedom. At 10.30 the service of Thanksgiving begins in St Columbs Cathedral. The main parade around the city begins at 12.30 at Craigavon bridge, led by the General Committee of the Apprentice Boys, followed by the Parent Clubs with each of their Branch Clubs from across the UK. The parade passes through the City Centre before returning to across the bridge and up to Irish Street and back down to finish at Bond Street. The days events end with the eight parent clubs returning to within the city walls, finishing at the Memorial Hall. Festival In recent years the Relief of Derry celebrations have been preceded by the hugely successful Maiden City Festival. The festival is a showcase for Protestant culture of tolerance and openness, and for the heritage that is entrusted to the Apprentice Boys of Derry. Based entirely within and around the Walls, the festival allows the minority Protestant community in Londonderry to contribute to the cultural life of the city in an even greater way.
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 18:28:47 +0000
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