The August 2008 celebrations of the Relief of Derry mark the 319th anniversary of the ending of the longest siege in British military history.
The celebrations, organised this year by the Walker Parent Club, begin with the firing of the cannon at midnight on Saturday 11th August, on the City’s historic walls; fired one and three times, signifying the 13 of the "Brave 13" apprentices who closed the gates of the City. 13 members of the Walker Club will then make their way to each of the four original City gates, as the 13 apprentices did 319 years ago.
The main celebrations on Saturday morning begin with the eight Parent Clubs parading along the circuit of the City walls before parading through the walled city to a service of remembrance in the historic St Columb’s Cathedral. Pausing at the war memorial in the Diamond to remember those who gave their lives in defence of the City.
The main parade in the afternoon sees a parade through the City of Apprentice Boys from all over the United Kingdom and further a field.