Parades on the wall began at 9.30am this morning, with a main parade made up of bands from Northern Ireland and Scotland moving off at 12.30pm.
The Relief of Derry parade commemorates the raising of the siege on the city on August 1, 1689.
This lasted 105 days during the Williamite War. The annual celebrations also remember the 13 apprentice boys who at the time closed Derry’s gates to keep King James II’s forces out in December 1688.
The main parades come after a week of celebrations during the Maiden City Festival.
Bands will make their way along Derry’s walls Pic: Lorcan Doherty/Presseye
The symbolic firing of a cannon took place on Derry’s walls at midnight ahead of the parade.
The main parade started at 12.30pm at Craigavon Bridge, headed by the Saracen Truth Defenders Flute Band of Glasgow.
It is passing through the city centre then the Fountain Estate. Marchers will make their way back across the bridge to finish at Bond Street.
During the march, from noon to 5pm, visitors will see gunners firing muskets, as well as the cannons used in the 17th century war, at Society Street car park.
Bands on parade on Derry’s Walls this morning. Picture: NI Band Scene/Facebook
News Catch Up – Friday 8th August
Some traffic diversions will be in place to accommodate the parade making its way through the city.
“On-street parking anywhere on the parade route will be restricted for the duration of the parade,” a PSNI spokesperson said.
“Any cars parked on the parade route will not be able to move until the parade has passed their point. Information about diversions and road closures will be signposted.
“The top deck of Craigavon Bridge will be closed for the duration of the parade as it is part of the main parade route.
“The lower deck of Craigavon Bridge will remain open in both directions, but with access only onto Victoria Road.
“There will be no left-turn access from the bottom deck of Craigavon Bridge for drivers coming from the Cityside.
“The road between the lower deck of Craigavon Bridge and Dales Corner will be closed for the duration of the parade and will have access for parade bus traffic only.
“Ebrington complex is accessible via Limavady Road.”