The Arches - a lecture and exhibition

The free lecture will take place in the Orange Room at the Memorial Hall from 7pm to 8.30pm today.

Bands, banners and bowler hats are all familiar in the traditions of the Loyal Orders and arches, too, are a familar sight around the Twelfth. In the lecture, local historian, William Temple will talk about the cultural and historical significance of The Arches within the traditions around celebration of the Battle of the Boyne and the Relief of Derry.

The lecture follows a series of successful similar events during previous festivals, including last year when Mr Temple examined The Influence of the Scottish Knights of Malta.

The photographic exhibition, to be held on Thursday and Friday at the Thiepval Gallery, George Street, will have on display dozens of pictures of some of the city’s best known arches, and Mr Temple will offer an on-hand guide to their history. It runs from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and 7.30pm to 9pm. Again admission is free.

Meanwhile, the Old Fountain Tour, presented by the Bob Harte Memorial Trust, tells the social history of the Fountain, and Mr Temple will take walkers on a walk down memory lane. There is no charge for this event, but a small minimum donation of 1 to the Bob Harte Memorial Trust would be welcome.

Tours start at 12 noon from Monday to Friday, starting at the Thiepval Gallery, George Street.