MEMBERS of the Apprentice Boys are to join in St Patrick’s Day celebrations for the first time.
The loyalist organisation will have their own parade next Tuesday at noon; and then some members will take part in the official council-led celebrations in an unofficial capacity later in the day.
The morning parade will include a service at St Columb’s Cathedral.
“Our parade takes in a service at St Columb’s Cathedral where a new banner will be dedicated and unfurled but it will be followed in the evening by our own St Patrick’s Day celebrations,” said William Stewart from the No Surrender club which is celebrating its 15oth birthday.
“St Patrick belongs to all of us and some of our members will be taking part in the council-run parade in an unofficial capacity as well.
“We took care not to clash with the main parade organised by the council. Derry is seen as an example of a place were two communities get on and while it is not perfect, I would encourage that.”
Apprentice Boys Governor Jim Brownlee will then attend the main parade in another sign that Derry can move on from our past.
It comes just days after loyalist band members attended the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in the city.
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