Most people have heard about the siege of Derry but most will not be aware that Coleraine was also subjected to a seige 365 years ago - and as a result as many as 2,000 people died from famine and disease.

On December 18 this year members from the Apprentice Boys of Derry clubs in the Coleraine area are planning a parade to celebrate both events, culminating in the burning of an effigy of Lundy at Killowen Orange Hall.

They will parade through the town centre, starting at 7.30pm, across the Bann Bridge and out to Killowen Orange Hall. The return parade will also go through the town centre.

Notification has been given to the Parades Commission and organisers, Coleraine and District ABOD Cultural and Historical Society, have been working with the police to plan a suitable route and timing for the parade.

Speaking on behalf of the organisers, David Kerr told the Times that the Coleraine branches of the Apprentice Boys have been talking about such a parade for a number of years. They wish to mark the contribution people from Coleraine made during the siege in Derry and also to mark the earlier siege in Coleraine itself.

The siege in Coleraine, brought by Irish forces, lasted for six weeks in 1642 and up to 2,000 of the people seeking refuge within the town walls died before an army from Scottish rescued the situation. In 1689 the garrison and people of Coleraine had to flee to Derry, in the face of the approaching army of James II, and there they again faced a siege.

David said: “We want to parade through the town, to reflect the siege within the former walls, across the river to reflect the leaving of the town and the burning of the effigy of Lundy marks the closing of the gates in Derry itself.

“We hope that people will enjoy the pageantry of the event and we have invited other Apprentice Boys clubs to join our celebration. This is the first year for the parade and we hope to develop the event in coming years and demonstrate the rich history of Coleraine.

“We hope it will go from strength to strength in years to come and that it will involve everybody in the town and bring people together. This year we have one band leading the parade and we hope to have about 250 people in the parade itself.

“When the parade is over, everyone is welcome to come to the Orange Hall in Union Street for a warming cup of tea and a chat.”

Organisers believe that the parade will bring more people to the town centre, however concerns have been expressed that the event may hinder trade during an important evening running up to Christmas.

There is also some concern that tensions in the Heights area may be increased as the parade passes nearby.

At the time of going to press the parade was still under consideration by the Parades Commission.