Saturnalia Parade and Chester Winter Watch Parade 2024

The Saturnalia parade joins forces with the Winter Watch parade taking the city from the 1400's back to its Roman occupation in 47/48 AD.

Starting at the Town Hall at 7 pm alongside the spectacle of the Winter Watch the Roman Deva Victrix 20th Legion will take back control of their city as Chester Roman Tours celebrates Saturnalia which was the Roman commemoration feast dedicated of the temple of the god Saturn.

The Roman Legion marches through the city with flaming torches whilst Emperor Domitian delivers his speech to confirm Roman rule. He will say:

“Let none of you be mistaken, the Romans are still here, at certain times of the year you will see us marching once more through our fortress. Remember who and what I am. I am a sword that sings in the dark. I am the sound of a legion marching to war. I am the axe that thuds into your skull. I am accuser, judge and executioner. I am Imperator. I am a living God. I am Caesar. I am Rome.”

The Winter Watch parade starts from the Town Hall Square and continuing around the City centre including St Werburgh Street, Northgate Street and Bridge Street including dance, fire breathing and sword fights in Eastgate Street and in the Town Hall Square.