Apprentice Boys turn up heat on Lundy

A heavy police presence along the entire route, and particularly in the city centre around The Diamond, ensured a trouble-free afternoon.

This year many shops chose to stay open giving frozen spectators, as well as Christmas shoppers an opportunity to thaw out out inside the many cafeterias and stores.

A staged protest on Shipquay Street by dissident republicans did not impact on the parade and protesters had largely dispersed before proceedings got underway at 1.15pm. Meanwhile, in the lead up to the parade strenuous efforts were made by the authorities to remove all snow and ice from the parade route and surrounding area to prevent accident or injury and remove any temptation to throw icy missiles at the marchers.

Earlier in the day the parade assembled at the Railway Station in the Waterside and set off for the Cityside just after 11.30am.

The route took the clubs and bands from Duke Street across the top deck of Craigavon Bridge and then via Carlisle Road, Hawkin Street, London Street, Bishop Street and Palace Lane to the Memorial Hall. Despite the fact that the top deck of the bridge was effected by the parade, the lower deck remained open all day.

The main parade began to assemble on Kennedy Street just before 1pm and the parade proper set off as planned taking in a route along Bishop Street to the Diamond and then into Ferryquay Street, Carlisle Road, Wapping Lane, Kennedy Place, Kennedy Street, Hawkin Street and London Street to St. Columb's Cathedral for a church service.

Many bandsmen and paraders who could not get into the Cathedral, opted instead to warm themselves in the Memorial Hall, cafes and bars, where they sheltered from the severe cold which, according to the Met Office, hovered between 0C and -2C during the day for all parts west of the Bann River.

Following the service, as is traditional, a huge effigy of Lundy was burned on Bishop Street, and the cheer went up at 3.45pm as the effigy was set alight. This was followed by a return parade to the Railway Station where visiting bands and Apprentice Boys dispersed at 4.15pm.

Although there was a slight delay for motorists on Victoria Road, along Duke Street and off Spencer Road as the parade snaked its way back along the return route.

In all 25 bands took part, and an estimated 1,500 Apprentice Boys from across Northern Ireland stepped out since proceedings began on Friday evening at midnight when a canon was fired four times, symbolising the 'Brave 13' who took the initiative and closed the gates, beginning the famous Siege of Derry.

District Commander Chief Supt Stephen Martin welcomed the peaceful outcome to the Lundy parade.

He said: "The parade has passed off extremely well and without incident and we were pleased and encouraged by the orderly and respectful way in which the event was conducted and marshalled.

"I want to pay tribute to the dedicated and hard work that has gone on behind the scenes by parade organisers, City Centre Management, local traders and community representatives and would thank all those involved for making today an enjoyable family event.

"We can now focus on the run up to Christmas and look forward to a peaceful and prosperous season."