Distretto Nord

Passano pacificamente le parate di Derry e North Belfast

Contentious parades pass off peacefully

The annual Lundy’s Day parade in Londonderry and a feeder parade in north Belfast have both passed off without incident

Lundy ParadeAround 2,000 Apprentice Boys, accompanied by 28 bands, took part in the Londonderry event which commemorates the siege of the city.

The PSNI praised those who worked to ensure the event passed off without incident.

“We were pleased and encouraged by the orderly and respectful way in which the event was conducted and marshalled”, Derry’s District Commander, Chief Superintendent Stephen Martin said.

“This is testament to the dedicated work that has gone on behind the scenes by parade organisers, City Centre Management, local traders and community representatives.”

Chief Supt Martin said that in the past the event had been marred by disorder and violence in the evening.

“The majority of people within the Foyle area are law abiding citizens who are determined to live peaceful and productive lives,” he said.

“I would remind those set on this type of disruption that they are only hurting their own community, a community that will not allow this type of behaviour to persist.”

Police had warned trouble-makers they would be dealt with “robustly” if the annual parade was disrupted.

Robert Lundy, whose effigy is burnt at the end of the parade, was a governor of the city who advocated surrendering in 1689.

The last major parade of the year parade is the most important date of the Apprentice Boys calendar.

“This is the key date for Apprentice boys”, the Apprentice Boys governor, Jim Brownlee, told UTV.

“This is the day we commemorate the shutting of the gates; an event in history that, had it not taken place, we would be living in a different world.”

Local traders remained open for business to accommodate Christmas shoppers.

A feeder parade held in north Belfast on Saturday morning also passed off without incident.

There was a heavy police presence in the Ardoyne area for the march at 8am.

Around 20 protestors carrying placards lined the route as the marchers passed.

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René Querin

Di professione grafico e web designer, sono appassionato di trekking e innamorato dell'Irlanda e della sua storia. Insieme ad Andrea Varacalli ho creato e gestisco Les Enfants Terribles.

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