PICTURE GALLERY: Lundy parade in Londonderry
ORGANISERS have hailed the Lundy parade in Londonderry to mark the anniversary of the shutting of the gates as "an exceptional day".
Police said they were not aware of any reports of any trouble surrounding the event and retailers in the city remained open on what is traditonally one of the busiest shopping days before Christmas.
Around 2,000 marchers and 20 bands steped out for the big day.
Billy Moore, who is General secretary of the Apprentice Boys said the day showed that people could respect each other's traditions.
"The parade was to mark the 320th anniversary of the shutting of the city's gates by the 13 apprentices against troops loyal to James the Second on December 7, 1688."
He said there were a number of other events surrounding the whole day.
"Obviously the first task is to initiate new candidates into the order which can only be done inside the walls of Londonderrry.
"It doesn't matter where candidates come from, they can only be initiated inside the city.
"Then there is the traditional parade to St Colum's Cathedral for a Thanksgiving Service.
"Following the service there is a parade to Bishop Street for the burning of an effigy of the siege traitor Lundy."
It is for this reason that the day is also known as "Lundy's Day".
Mr Moore explained the history behind the event.
"He was the governor of the city and basically had no stomach for a fight.
"With the help of some prominent citizens, he escaped, but other governors were appointed and the city was successfully defended, so that's why he is seen as the siege traitor.
"Therefore an effigy is burned each year as part of the tradition of the Apprentice Boys."
Mr Moore said he was pleased with the way the day had gone, as in past years there had been trouble at the event.
"It was an exceptionally good day and we were pleased that many of the shops stayed open and we hope that they had a profitable day.
"We asked our members to bring their families and enjoy the Christmas facilities and shopping in the city.
"We believe that it was successful and we are aware that it was a peaceful day, which is the main thing."
The Apprentice Boys spokesman said he hoped the way the day went was a harbinger for the future.
He said: "We've done a lot of hard work to reach accomodation with wider community and we feel that has paid dividends.
"We feel that people have accepted that the Apprentice Boys have their rights to their commemorations, their culture and their traditions in the city.
"That work will continue, but we are seeing the benefit of the efforts of the past years and hope that other people will also continue with their efforts."
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Weather for Belfast
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 7 C
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