Apprentice Boys parade in Derry today

The annual Apprentice Boys of Derry (ABOD) parade is taking place in Derry today.

With 140 bands and Apprentice Boys’ clubs taking part, a number of roads in the city will be closed to traffic at various times throughout the day.

A number of smaller parades, beginning at 9.00am, will take place in the morning, prior to the main parade taking place.

Leaving Duke Street at 12.30pm, it proceed via Craigavon Bridge, Carlisle Road, Ferryquay Street, the Diamond, Bishop Street, London Street, Hawkin Street, Kennedy Street, Wapping Lane, Abercorn Road, Carlisle Square, Craigavon Bridge, Spencer Road, Dungiven Road, Dennet Gardens, Sheskin Gardens, Bann Drive, Finn Gardens, Mourne Drive, Dennet Gardens, Dungiven Road, Glendermott Road, Bonds Street to May Street for dispersal.

The return route at 5.00pm, will see eight Parent Clubs parade back to cityside from May Street via Bonds Street, Dungiven Road, Clooney Terrace, Spencer Road, Craigavon Bridge Carlisle Road Ferryquay Street, the Diamond, Bishop Street, and Palace Street to Society Street.

On dispersal at the Memorial Hall, one band will parade Society Street, London Street, Hawkin Street, Kennedy Street and the Fountain Estate.

Police are advising that traffic diversions and delays are likely from 10.30am. Traffic will not be allowed onto the parade route after noon and any cars parked on the parade route will not be able to move until the parade has passed their point.