Shutting of the Gates commemoration

The Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, General Committee have announced details of the 326th annual Shutting of the Gates commemoration in Londonderry.
The scene at Bishop Street as the effigy of Lundy goes up in flames. INLS5013-153KMThe scene at Bishop Street as the effigy of Lundy goes up in flames. INLS5013-153KM
The scene at Bishop Street as the effigy of Lundy goes up in flames. INLS5013-153KM

The event takes place on Saturday, with the General Committee opining at 10am, and all visiting clubs will assemble at Waterside Railway Station ready to move off at 11.30am.

The celebration parade will move following a route along Duke Street, Craigavon Bridge, Carlisle Road, Hawkin Street, London Street to the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall.

The Main procession will leave Society Street at 1.15p,, with officers of the General Committee and Colour Party leading the procession, via a route taking in Bishop Street to The Diamond. The parent and Branch Clubs will pay their respects at the Cenotaph by lowering flags and banners, and the accompanying bands are asked to cease playing, observing the memorial as they pass with a single drum beat.

These members of the Star of the Roe Flute Band celebrate as the effigy of Lundy goes up in flames. INLS4910-119KMThese members of the Star of the Roe Flute Band celebrate as the effigy of Lundy goes up in flames. INLS4910-119KM
These members of the Star of the Roe Flute Band celebrate as the effigy of Lundy goes up in flames. INLS4910-119KM

The procession will proceed on to Ferryquay Street, Carlisle Road, Wapping Lane, Kennedy Street, London Street to St Columb’s Cathedral for a Service of Thanksgiving at 2pm.

At 3pm the procession will reform at the following locations: ABOD, Walker Mitchelburne and No Surrender Clubs, will assemble at London Street tailing back towards Bishop Street; Browning, Baker, Campsie and Murray Clubs will assemble at Pump Street, and the parade will proceed to Bishop Street via London Street, Kennedy Street, Wapping Lane, Carlisle Road and Ferryquay Street, for the burning of the effigy of Lundy.

Following the spectacle, the General Committee and Walker Parent Club officers will make their way to the Siege Heroes Mound where they will lay a floral tribute in memory of ‘The Brave 13’ and those who defended the city.

At the end of the ceremonial burning, the visiting clubs will return to their transport and a salute will be taken by officers of the General Committee as the Clubs depart.

The traditional ringing of the Cathedral bells will take place and the Crimson Flag hoisted.

The General Committee has requested the wearing of the siege colour of crimson.