A report of the only "Burning of Lundy" parade to be held on the 18th December this year.

Apprentice Boys from throughout the Roe Valley an beyond came together in Limavady Town on the evening of Monday the 18th of December to commemorate the 318th Anniversary of the Shutting of the Gates.

A cold and foggy winters evening did little to put off many members, or their families from coming along and ensuring this memorable and historical event was once again remembered in Newtowne-limavady, indeed it was hard to believe, whilst watching the crowds of young and old alike, enjoying the celebrations, that Christmas Day was just one week away.

The commemoration was organised by Limavady No Surrender Branch Club and was supported by members from throughout the Northwest and Londonderry City. Limavady Branch Club has just celebrated it’s Centenary Year and this event was a fitting way to bring the Centenary to a close and to mark the beginning of the next 100 years for the Club.

The evening got underway at 7.45pm when Officers of the Club were joined by the Lt. Governor, Bro. James Brownlee and Officers of the No Surrender Parent Club to lay a wreath at the War Memorial. The wreath was laid by the Lt. Governor in memory of those who paid the supreme sacrifice in the Siege of Derry and in subsequent wars and conflicts.

Edenmore No Surrender Branch Club, having walked their traditional route into Limavady Town, along Ballyquin Road and Irish Green Street, joined the Limavady Branch Club and a large number of Bands from throughout the Borough, together with the other visiting Brethren for the parade of Limavady Town.

Crowds watch the effigy of Lundy as it burns.

On returning to Limavady Orange Hall members of the public helped swell the crowd and the 17 foot high effigy of Lundy, situated on the banks of the River Roe was set alight. This year the honour of setting light to Lundy was given to the Lt. Governor.

Limavady is one of only a couple of towns who now continue to commemorate the Shutting of the Gates on the 18th of December and, although under pressure from various elements to change this date, the Limavady Brethren intend to continue to carryon the tradition of their founding forefathers in the years ahead.

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