Chester Midsummer Watch

 The ancient streets of Chester were a riot of colour today as the Midsummer Watch parade took place.

 Amid much drum banging, bugle blowing and more whistles than a world cup match, the performers whirled and danced in the warm sunshine, to the delight of the crowds lining the streets.

The procession in Chester dates back more than 500 years to medieval times. It was banned in the 1600's because there was much revelling and drunkenness, but was revived this century with a cast of many of the original characters.

The Romans

The Green Man

The Sun

The Pirate Ship

Angels

My favourite character is the unicorn.

The Elephant and Castle date back to the original parades.

The lady giant in blue is St Werburgh who is the patron saint of the cathedral.

Chester has a family of giants - a mother, a father  and two daughters.

This dragon was quite ferocious and was actually breathing fire at times.

This character is Hell's Mouth ....

.... which opens to reveal skeletons inside. Great fun!

You can find out more about the history of this ancient tradition here:

http://www.midsummerwatch.co.uk.

There's also a Winter Watch parade every year in December.... so different from this one as it takes place in the evening in the darkness and it's usually freezing cold.

We couldn't have had a more perfect day for the Midsummer Watch today as we are basking in bright sunshine. Long may it continue!!!!