One of the biggest events on the St Albans calendar takes place this weekend, with thousands expected to attend Alban Day.

The day will see two huge events on the same afternoon, with both the Alban Pilgrimage and the Alban Street Festival taking place this Saturday (June 22). 

The Alban Pilgrimage sees a parade of giant puppets descend on the streets, starting from St Peter's Church at 11am and moving along St Peters Street, the High Street and George Street - with the roads closed temporarily to traffic.

Organised by St Albans Cathedral, the parade uses colourful puppets to tell the story of Alban, the Christian martyr from whom the city takes its name.

The puppets will include Roman centurions, chariots and lions, building to a crescendo at the Cathedral Orchard, where a re-enactment of Saint Alban's execution will take place.

The Revd Dr Kevin Walton, Canon Chancellor at the cathedral, said: "We hope that people will come from across our city and district to celebrate our shared patron saint.

"We invite all people to come and join in our procession as we move from St Peter’s Church, pass the Museum and onto the West End of the Cathedral where we witness Alban’s dramatic execution."

The Alban Festival typically takes place the day after the Pilgrimage, but this year council bosses have decided to move it to the same day.

It will mainly take place in the city centre and feature live music, craft activities and henna tattoo booths.

June 22 is also Windrush Day, and events will also be held to mark the occasion.

The Vintry Garden will play host to Caribbean music and food as well as the chance for people to play dominoes, an integral part of Caribbean culture.

Robin Ray, the council’s assistant director (Regulatory and Compliance) for community and place delivery, said: “This one unforgettable event brings together the pilgrimage, the street festival and the Charter Market to provide residents and visitors with numerous attractions and entertainment, much of it free.

"I’d urge everyone to make a note in their diary and come along to what promises to be a fabulous day.”