St Albans: Thousands attend Pilgrimage and Street Festival

The 'Alban Weekend' took place on Saturday (June 24) and Sunday (June 25) in the city centre.

On Saturday, a parade of giant puppets celebrated Saint Alban, Britain's first Christian martyr.

Children dressed as Roman centurions during the Alban Pilgrimage. (Image: Lesley Fisher)

The story of Saint Alban was recreated by a procession of puppets representing Roman chariots, centurions, lions and executioners.

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Children were seen dressed as Roman centurions, whilst a large gathering took place in front of St Albans Cathedral.

Large puppets during the Alban Pilgrimage. (Image: Lesley Fisher)

Meanwhile, Sunday saw the first St Albans Street Festival in four years.

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This was due to the coronavirus pandemic and her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

A large gathering outside St Albans Cathedral, during the Alban Pilgrimage. (Image: Lesley Fisher)

Face painting and other activities complimented a range of food and drink on offer during the six-hour party.

Around 100 market stalls lined the streets of the city centre, whilst stages provided entertainment for those who attended.

Large puppets outside St Albans Cathedral. (Image: Lesley Fisher)

A main stage was located outside the city's Metro Bank, featuring a range of local acts.

An acoustic stage entertained visitors at the other end of St Peter's Street, near Market Place.

Puppets told the story of Britain's first Christian martyr Saint Alban. (Image: Lesley Fisher)

Spinning plates and puppet shows were also enjoyed during the event.

Images from both days highlight the culture, history and community of St Albans and its district.

A large gathering on St Peters Street, for the St Albans Street Festival. (Image: Stephanie Belton)

Chris Traill, strategic director for community and place delivery at St Albans City & District Council, said: “The St Albans Street Festival on Sunday was a brilliant day of festivities to round off the Alban Weekend. 

Face painting at the St Albans Street Festival. (Image: Stephanie Belton)

"Thousands of local residents and visitors thronged to the city centre for an afternoon of food, family fun and friendship and the sun shone for us all. 

Visitors and residents alike, enjoying the festivities. (Image: Stephanie Belton)

"Thanks to all our volunteers, partners, funders and traders for their great support, and for playing their part in making this year’s celebrations so special. 

St Albans mayor on stage during the festival. (Image: Stephanie Belton)

"A particular mention to St Albans BID which sponsored the event, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund which helped with funding, and to the hard working team at Veolia for all their hard work supporting the clear up." 

A wide range of food and drink stalls were present. (Image: Stephanie Belton)