Press Release

City to come alive for return of the ‘Lost Cannon’

Wednesday, 07 May 2008

The city’s Shipquay Place and Guildhall Square area will be awash with colour and pageantry this weekend as Derry City Council celebrates the return of the ‘lost cannon’.

The Mayor, Alderman Drew Thompson will be joined by the Mayor of the City of London, Alderman David Lewis in receiving the cannon from Mr. David Gilliand, as part of a pageantry celebration event on Saturday afternoon, (May 10) at 12 noon.

The cannon - a 1620 cannon, damaged in the Great Siege of 1688-89, has been loaned to the city by the Gilliland family and put on permanent display on the City Walls.

The civic square area will come alive with the Living history pageantry and performances by Northern Period Productions, commencing at 11.30 am. The pageantry will include the inspection of the Londonderry Volunteer Militia by the two Mayors, as well as the firing of a volley of musketry by the volunteer militia and the ceremonial firing of a cannon.

Encouraging as many people as possible to come along and avail of this unique opportunity to witness the volunteer militia, bedecked in their authentic period uniforms standing guard over the returned cannon, the Mayor, Alderman Drew Thompson said it promised to be a special occasion for the city.

“This is a unique celebration for our city and promises to be a colourful and imaginative display for the entire family. The Council is delighted is receive the cannon and its return marks the final stage of the Cannon Gun Conservation Project, which is funded by DETI. I am looking forward to this event and I am delighted to be part of this celebratory occasion for all the family,” he commented.

Mark Lusby, Senior Economic Development Officer with Derry City Council said: “Saturday will provide a unique opportunity for local people and visitors to join in the pageantry organised to celebrate the return of the ‘lost cannon’. The colourful animation of our civic square with militia, horse and carriage, through first person interpretation, is an occasion to be enjoyed by all.”

Members of the public interested in coming along to this event are encouraged to be in the Shipquay Place/Guildhall Square area of the city by 11.30 am.

Ends

Note to Editor:

Please note there will be a photo opportunity at approximately 12.05 pm on Saturday morning at Guildhall Square with the Mayor, Alderman Drew Thompson, the Mayor of the City of London, Alderman David Lewis, David Gilliland and dignitaries.

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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