Easter Rising centenary commemorations under way in Derry

The 1916 Easter Rising centenary commemorations have got under way in Derry The first of four “feeder” parades left the car park at the former Budget DIY store in Pennyburn to make its way to Westland Street in the Bogside where it will join up with three other parades from the Waterside, Brandywell and Creggan areas ahead of the main parade to the republican plot in the City Cemetery, Led by three men and a woman on horses, several hundred people dressed in period costumes with a number carrying replica rifles, took part in the first parade which made its way the Bogside past the PSNI’s headquarters on Strand Road (pictured). Before each parade, wreath-laying ceremonies were held at republican monuments on Racecourase Road (Shantallow), Top of the Hill (Waterside), Central Drive (Creggan) and Lecky Road (Brandywell). Each of the parades features men and women dressed in period costumes from 100 years ago. It is the first time four republican parades have been held simultaneously in the city. The main parade is due to leave the Bogside Inn at 2.30pm. Main speaker in the cemetery will be Raymond McCartney, Sinn Fein Foyle MLA.