This year's celebrations mark 323 years since the “Brave 13” closed the city gates in 1688. This year the Campsie Parent Club takes responsibility for the celebrations. The celebrations this year follow the pattern set out over the last few years.
As always the main focus of the celebrations will be the service of thanksgiving in St. Columb's Cathedral. Following the service, the officers of the Campsie Parent Club will lay a wreath at the Siege Heroes Mound in memory of the “Brave 13”.
The traditional burning of the effigy of “Lundy the Traitor” will bring the day's events to a conclusion.
Timetable for the Celebrations
- 00.00 The Celebrations will open with the symbolic firing of a cannon on the Walls. One and three times, signifying thirteen, the brave thirteen. This will be followed by the traditional “Touching of the Gates”.
- 10.00 General Committee will open.
- 11.30 All visiting Clubs will march off from the Waterside Railway Station via Duke Street, Craigavon Bridge, Carlisle Road, Hawking Street, London Street, Bishop Street, Palace Street, finishing outside the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall in Society Street.
- 13.15 The main parade will leave Society Street headed by officers of General Committee. The parade will go via Bishop Street, The Diamond (clockwise) Ferryquay Street, Carlisle Road, Wapping Lane, Founatin Street, Hawkin Street, London Street. Finishing in the grounds of St. Columb's Cathedral.
- 14.00 Service of Thanksgiving in St. Columb's Cathedral. All Brethren are encouraged to attend the service as this is the focal point of the day's commemorations. At the conclusion of the service a wreath will be laid by the officers of the Baker Parent Club at the Siege Heroes Mound.
- 15.00 The parade will re-form and parade via the earlier route in reverse, back to Bishop Street for the burning of the Effigy of Lundy the Traitor.
- 15.45 With all Brethren and bands gathered in Bishop Street, the Effigy of Lundy the Traitor will be lit by a member of the Baker Club.
- 16.00 Visiting Clubs will return to the Waterside via Bishop Street, Hawkin Street, Carlisle Road, Craigavon Bridge, Duke Street, finishing at the Waterside Railway Station. A salute will be taken by the Governor, Officers of General Committee and Parent Clubs at Bishop Street.
“The bells will be rung and the crimson flag hoisted. A general wearing of the colour crimson is requested”
As always hot food and refreshments will be available in the Society Social Club in the Memorial Hall.