Details of this year's celebrations.

This year's 319th Anniversary of the Shutting of the Gates Celebrations will be held on Saturday 1st December, with the Mitchelburne Parent Club taking charge of proceedings. The day's events remain unchanged from last year. As always the most important part of the celebrations is the service of thanksgiving in St Columb's Cathedral led by the Dean, Rev. William Morton. The traditional burning of the Effigy of Lundy the Traitor will bring the day to a close.

Full details are as follows:

• 00.00 The Celebrations will open with the symbolic firing of a cannon on the Walls. One and three times, signifying 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 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 Mitchelburne Parent Club at the Siege Heroes Mound.
• 15.00 The parade will re-form and parade via the same 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 Mitchelburne 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.

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