Midsummer Watch Parade

Chester’s Midsummer Watch is one of Britain’s oldest festivals – a tradition reflecting 500 years of the city’s history. depend The continued support and involvement of local people keeps this exciting Parade alive, as a major mid-summer spectacle.

Starting at 2 pm from the Town Hall square on both Saturday and Sunday.

The Summer Watch was originally performed by the City Guilds at Midsummer. It was disbanded in the 1670s before being revived in 1989, featuring the Chester family of giants. The Midsummer Watch 'Family of Giants' the father, mother and two daughters are huge figures towering at four metres high.

The parade is led by the Summer Watch drummer and the City Guilds with a Pirate Ship, Dragons, Angels, the Chester Ravens, Unicorn, Stag, Hobby Horses, St Werburgh, Green Men, Balaam's Ass,  Cernunnus the Celtic Lord of the Forest, Raven Band and Devil Band. An antelope returned to the parade last year, it was recorded in the archives from 1660 as being part of the parade. The Hippogriff from Greek Mythology also returns to the mythical beasts section.

The parade route meanders through the city centre leaving Chester Town Hall Square at 2pm on both days taking in; The Cross, Watergate Street, Bridge Street, Eastgate Street, St Werburgh Street, returning to the Town Hall square for a finale.

Bring the family to Chester and watch one of the oldest and most colourful parades.