Derry Day: Apprentice Boys' annual Relief of Londonderry celebrations set to welcome thousands

It is expected that around 125 bands, accompanying over 200 Clubs, will be in the city for the day’s activities on Saturday.

It all begins at midnight with the firing of cannon on the Walls, with the parade then getting under way at 9.30am as the eight Parent Clubs march in order around the Walls, accompanied by their bands with General Committee and its band at the head of the parade.

There will also be a Service of Thanksgiving and a Relief of Derry Pageant before the main parade starts at 12.30pm.

The Relief of Londonderry, commemorated each August, marks the end of the 105-day siege of the city in 1689, when its inhabitants celebrated the arrival of relief after enduring months of attacks, hunger, disease and death during the longest siege in British military history.

It is one of two main Apprentice Boys of Derry (ABOD) commemorations held in the city each year, alongside the Shutting of the Gates ceremony in December, which marks the beginning of the siege.

Governor of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, William Walker, said: “With the Relief of the City we commemorate the defiance and determination of the people of this city in securing Civil and Religious Liberty for All.

“We expect all those coming to the City to take part in the Relief Commemorations, our Members and the bands they engage, to respect our city, remember the sacrifice of the besieged within the historic City Walls, bear yourselves with dignity and decorum at all times, and most importantly wear the Crimson with pride.

“We have a terrific marshal team who give up their day for the good of the Association, and we expect all on parade to respect General Committee Marshals, which will assure good order and a safe day for everyone.

“Finally, to all Brethren and their bands, to family and friends coming to Londonderry on the 8th August, have a good day and safe journeys to and from our beloved city.“

David Hoey, General Secretary of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, added: “We know that besides coaches and buses bringing members and bands, increasingly spare seats are taken by family members coming to the city for the colour and sounds of the day’s events.

"Tourism NI figures show this is the biggest weekend in August for the local economy. We know that from early in the year as our members chase room bookings. Many have to stay well outside the city.

“Walking the Walls, a poignant Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial, and attending St. Columb Cathedral’s Service of Thanksgiving focus on commemorating the huge sacrifice of those who suffered the misery of hunger, disease and death within the Walls and giving thanks to God for deliverance.

"The Relief Pageant at noon tells the story of the Siege. The afternoon is a celebration of the Relief of the City and that the heritage of our Association, of Civil and Religious Liberty for All, was secured by those inside the Walls of Londonderry during the Great Siege of 1688-1689.”