THIS weekend republicans will come together from across the city and beyond to commemorate Ireland's patriot dead and the sacrifices of Easter week in 1916.

A range of parades and commemorations are taking place across the city which will celebrate those who fought for Ireland's freedom.

The Belfast National Graves Association's annual Easter commemoration will take place on Sunday 9 April. People are invited to assemble at 1pm at Beechmount Avenue where the parade will leave from, heading towards Milltown at 1.30pm sharp. This year's speaker at the commemoration will be North Belfast MP, Sinn Féin's John Finucane.

Joe Austin, Chairperson of the National Graves Association said: "We're looking forward to a big, successful Easter and given all the indicators from the sale of Easter Lilies and people enquiring and engaging with us.

"We've spent the week making sure the plots are held to their high standards and we hope everyone can come along and have a nice day and we would appeal to everyone to wear an Easter Lily."

Easter Saturday

  • There will be wreath laying at Bawnmore Memorial Garden on Easter Saturday at 12pm. Sinn Féin councillor Taylor McGrann will be speaking.
  • Saoradh will hold their Easter commemoration on Saturday 8 April, beginning at 2.30pm at the Divis International Wall and continuing onto Milltown Cemetery.

Easter Sunday

North Belfast

  • Sinn Féin councillor JJ Magee will speak at Kildare Street, Carrick Hill at 11am.

West Belfast

  • Republican Network for Unity will host their commemoration at Milltown Cemetery at 10.30am with the unveiling of a new monument at 11am.
  • The IRSP's Easter parade and commemoration will leave Dunville Park, Fall Road at 11am and walk to Milltown Cemetery.

  • The National Graves Association parade will leave Beechmount Avenue at 1.30pm and head for Milltown Cemetery where John Finucane MP will address the crowd.
  • The Workers' Party's commemoration will leave Beechmount Avenue at 3pm before walking to Milltown Cemetery.

Easter Monday

North Belfast

  • Wreath laying will take place at Newington Avenue/Atlantic avenue at 12pm led by Sinn Féin Councillor Conor Maskey.
  • Sinn Féin Councillor JJ Magee will speak at Carlisle Square, New Lodge at 1pm.

West Belfast

  • Lasair Dhearg will hold a commemoration at 1pm at the Harbinson Plot in Milltown Cemetery with John Crawley, author of 'The Yank' as speaker.

Tuesday

  • A commemoration will take place at 1pm at Ardoyne Avenue with Sinn Féin councillors Nichola Bradley and Ryan Murphy.