| Where: | St Albans, Hertfordshire with Procession starting at St Peter's Church on St Peters Street, to the Cathedral |
| When: | Saturday in late June |
| Time: | 11 am onwards with Evensong at 5pm |
The deeds of St Alban are remembered each year at the Cathedral and town named in his honour in Hertfordshire; Alban was beheaded for sheltering Christian priests who were being persecuted by the ruling Romans and has the honour of being England’s very first martyr. Giant puppets tell the story of the Saint’s life and martyrdom in a series of stops of the colourful procession to the Cathedral, which is followed by services during the afternoon. The procession is huge and involves many children in fancy dress; Alban (the puppet)’s head, after his execution outside the West end, is carried by the Dean into the Cathedral for the noon Eucharist; during the afternoon the puppets are on display in the Cathedral. The eyes fell out of the soldier who beheaded Alban and this is depicted by his puppet, as well by as twin giant eyes on stalks. A special Evensong in the late afternoon ends with red roses being presented at the Saint’s shrine.
Helpful Hints
The procession starts at St Peter’s Church. Be aware that the Fire Brigade may douse the crowd near the Town Hall to represent the miraculous spring provided by God when Alban was thirsty!
In 2025 it should be on Saturday June 21st. Roses are on sale at the Cathedral for the special service.
Click here for the event website : https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/alban-pilgrimage
In 2023 it will be held on Sat 24 June
Thank you Roy- I do like it when event organisers announce the next year’s date as soon as the current one has been 🙂
There’s an error in the event website address that you have given (looks like it may have been changed/updated).
The correct one is: https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/alban-pilgrimage
Many thanks Gem- I’ve added the updated link so it should work OK now.
Best wishes,
Averil