Shipquay Place and Guildhall Square in Derry’s city centre were awash with colour and pageantry on Saturday as Derry City Council celebrated the return of the ‘lost cannon’.

The Mayor, Alderman Drew Thompson was joined by the Mayor of the City of London, Alderman David Lewis in receiving the cannon from David Gilliand, as part of a pageantry celebration event.

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 was alive with the Living history pageantry and performances by Northern Period Productions,.

 The pageantry included 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.

The Mayor 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.”