Derry Day: Apprentice Boys' annual Relief of Londonderry celebrations promise boost for city's economy

Billy Moore, ABOD general secretary, said: “We've got roughly 130 bands participating and membership from Canada and Australia attending along with the usual tartan fraternity from Scotland over in force and our English members as well. We're expected a huge turn out.

"Not only does this bring a huge boost to the economy on the day but a huge aspect of our association is that each and every member must come inside the walls of Londonderry to be initiated. Whenever they do that they’re bringing their families with them, they’re spending time in hotels, they’re going to restaurants and they’re spending money in the shops.

“This is an ongoing year-round thing with our organisation that we’re constantly and continually bringing visitors to the city.”

Of the trouble in the Galliagh area of the city following the removal of an anti-internment bonfire, Billy said: “I would believe that that is under control and I would believe that community activists out in that area of the city will be trying to speak words of wisdom to these young people because rioting and setting cars alight and hurting your own community is certainly not anything that anyone would support or promote.”He believes the Siege museum in Londonderry has helped build a better understanding of ABOD traditions: “We encourage people from all religious backgrounds and political views to visit our museum and understand our history, culture and traditions – that has all been paying dividends. It means that now people are a lot more respectful and tolerant of our parade. I believe that through the medium of the museum they now understand what our history is about and why we commemorate such a significant event.”

This year marks the 334th anniversary of Derry Day, prompting Billy to say: “The Relief of Londonderry took place in 1689, the Battle of the Boyne was 1690, so we’re always a year ahead – we lead the way.”

He added: “We would hope that everyone would come to our city for the right reasons. We hope that everyone would come and enjoy the event. We hope our members have a memorable day and a safe journey coming here and returning home and that its positive and constructive day for everyone, for traders, for spectators and for those taking part, both bands and members.”

The two main ABOD celebrations held in the city commemorate the start of the siege in December – Shutting of the Gates – and the breaking of the siege in August – Relief of Londonderry.

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 on August 1, 1689.