Plans announced for 325th Shutting of the City Gates

General Secretary of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, Billy Moore, said the ABOD were pleased to welcome visitors to the city for the 325th anniversary of the Shutting of the Gates, which marked the start of the Great Siege of 1688-89.

“This is the largest attendance recorded for a Shutting of the Gates Parade. We also welcome the usual tartan influx, with clubs represented from throughout Scotland. We hope they will have an enjoyable and memorable experience in the Maiden City,” he said, adding: “We believe the ongoing discussions that have taken place throughout the year will ensure that the event will be peaceful, profitable and rewarding for everyone. We urge traders to remain open as usual and encourage all our visitors to take advantage of the wide variety of shops that we have in the city centre.”

General Committee opens at 10am: Visiting Clubs assemble at Waterside Rail Station. Parade at 11.30am via Duke Street, Craigavon Bridge, Carlisle Road, Hawkin Street, London Street to Memorial Hall. Main procession, 1.15pm via Bishop Street to The Diamond with tribute to fallen, proceeding to Freeyquay Street, Carlisle Road, Wapping Lane, Kennedy Street, London Street to St Columb’s Cathedral for Thanksgiving Service at 2pm. Parade reforms at 3pm as follows: ABOD, Walker, Mitchelburne and No Surrender Clubs, London Street line up towards Bishop Street; Browning, Baker, Campsie and Murray Clubs, Pump Street. Parade along Bishop Street along same streets in reverse order for Burning of Lundy.

Committee and ABOD Parent Club officers lay wreath at Siege Mound and later take Salute as visitors depart.