Apprentice Boys: Thousands mark Derry parade

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Apprentice Boys in Londonderry on Saturday 10 August
Image caption,
Members of the Apprentice Boys, one of the Protestant Loyal Orders, make their way around the city's historic walls accompanied by bands.

Thousands of people have taken to the streets for the annual Apprentice Boys parade in Londonderry.

It is one of Northern Ireland's biggest parades and marks the anniversary of the ending of the Siege of Derry in August 1689.

Members of the Apprentice Boys, one of the Protestant Loyal Orders, made their way around the city's historic walls accompanied by bands.

A wreath-laying ceremony took place at the Diamond.

There was also a religious service at St Columb's Cathedral.

The main parade passed off peacefully.

Police said five people were arrested on suspicion of public disorder offences.

On Saturday night, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it was investigating the behaviour and symbols displayed by one band.

A spokeswoman said a report would be forwarded to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).

She also added that a number of individuals would also be reported following an "unnotified protest".

The siege of Derry took place against the background of the deposed Catholic King James II's attempt to regain his crown from his Protestant son-in-law, King William III.

Also known as William of Orange, or King Billy, the new monarch was supported by Protestants in Derry.

Image caption,
Governor of the Apprentice Boys, Graeme Stenhouse, lays a wreath at the cenotaph in Derry on Saturday

At the start of the siege of Londonderry in 1689, 13 apprentice boys slammed the city gates against King James' advancing Jacobite army.

The Apprentice Boys of Derry are based upon this defiant action of "no surrender", and hold their main parade every 12 August to celebrate the relief of the city and the end of the siege.

The ending of the siege is known as the Relief of Derry.

At Shipquay Street, in the city centre, dissident republicans held a protest on Saturday afternoon and put a banner across the street.

Police maintained a presence in the city centre as it continued.