St Albans in Hertfordshire is known for its rich heritage, one of the oldest pubs in England and as the birthplace of the Hot Cross Bun, but did you know it’s the home of Britain’s first saint–Saint Alban?
On 21 June thousands of people will flock to the city’s streets for Alban Day: Pilgrimage & Festival, a pilgrimage and vibrant festival which celebrates the historic story of Britain’s first Christian martyr, Alban, and his execution at the hands of the Romans around 1,700 years ago.
It’s a historic and treasured annual tradition–with giant puppets and eyeballs on sticks–and a unique spectacle to experience.
St Albans Cathedral’s Canon Kevin Walton said: “There is nothing quite like it in the whole of the UK as we celebrate Britain’s first saint and welcome pilgrims from near and far. The Alban Pilgrimage is the highlight of our year at St Albans Cathedral.”
A citizen of Roman Verulamium (the third largest town of Roman Britain on which St Albans was built), Alban was martyred for giving shelter to the Christian priest Amphibalus. Legend says Alban’s head rolled downhill after his execution and a well sprang up where it stopped.
The tradition of a pilgrimage to the site of his death can be traced back between 1,600 and 1,700 years, with the first written record of a pilgrim Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre (in current day France) in the year 429.
Today, the jubilant pilgrimage procession is a colourful re-enactment which tells the story of Alban’s execution using spectacular 3-metre-tall carnival puppets representing the saint, Roman Centurions, lions and chariots.
Alban Day: Pilgrimage & Festival – what to expect and timings on the day:
11am – Alban Pilgrimage through the city centre
The procession will begin at St Peter’s Church and moves through the city centre culminating in a gathering at St Albans Cathedral Orchard where the execution of Alban will be re-enacted in all its grisly detail, including how his executioner’s eyes fell out during the saint’s beheading.
Local firefighters illustrate the scene where the well sprang at the bottom of Holywell Hill where Alban’s head stopped rolling.
Two massive Peregrine falcons–representing the birds of prey which have made their home on St Albans Cathedral roof–will be seen soaring over the crowds, hundreds of children will be dressed in costumes and visiting groups are invited to carry large colourful flags.
12 noon – Pilgrimage Eucharist at St Albans Cathedral
Join the Pilgrimage Eucharist, with the Pilgrimage Preacher The Very Revd Isaac Poobalan, with stirring music and timeless tradition.
12 noon-5pm – Alban Festival activities throughout the city centre and the Cathedral Orchard
A street festival offers a day for all the family with a host of activities to enjoy including a giant jigsaw based on Roman mosaics found in St Albans, clay modelling of the medieval Clock Tower and market, free face painting, and a historic treasure hunt around the city centre.
Experience ancient trades such as the art of ancient writing with Medieval Scriptorium and see how pilgrim badges are made with a Medieval Badge Maker.
Visitors will also come face-to-face with residents of Roman Verulamium–as portrayed by actors from critically acclaimed theatre company, OVO, and watch reenactors display impressive battle formations as Roman Gladiators.
4pm – Pilgrimage Evensong at St Albans Cathedral
The day will close with a moment of reflection at Pilgrimage Evensong, concluding with a final procession to the Shrine of St Alban.
The pilgrimage is proud to be cross-community, drawing together people of all faiths and none for a day of fun and celebration.
Canon Kevin Walton added: “Alban is Britain’s first Christian saint and takes us right back to Roman times, but his story is still powerful today as Alban stood up for truth and justice by sheltering a persecuted stranger. It is also the reason why the city is proud to be called St Albans. We celebrate this unique story with great drama, colour, and community engagement, filling the whole length of the city’s high street.
“We are therefore especially looking forward to welcoming the preacher at this year’s Pilgrimage Eucharist, the Very Revd Isaak Poobalan, Provost of St Andrew’s Cathedral, Aberdeen, who has served across continents and been himself a pilgrim to St Albans.
“This year too, we are delighted to join with St Albans City Centre BID who will bring a host of activities and interactive experiences for all the family, making it even more of a whole city event.”
Vivien Cannon, Manager of St Albans BID, said: “Alban Day is a must-experience celebration of our city’s rich and fascinating heritage. From its Roman roots and Saint Alban’s story to its medieval architecture and 1000-year-old market, there’s so much to discover in beautiful St Albans and we welcome visitors from far and wide to join us.
“The city is close to the M1, A1 and M25 plus with two train stations and excellent bus and coach connections, it’s perfect for a day trip or a longer stay.”
St Albans Cathedral is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain and where visitors will find the Shrine of St Alban, which has been a focal point for visitors and pilgrims alike for over 1,700 years. It has the longest nave of any cathedral in England, at 85 metres long, and an extensive collection of medieval wall paintings.
