Chester's festive celebrations are well underway, with the Winter Watch parade taking place on Thursday 5 December at 7pm and again on Thursday 12 December.

Both parades start from the Christmas market in Town Hall Square. 

The Midsummer watch and the Winter Watch parades are unique to Chester.

The origins of the Winter Watch can be traced back to archive records from the 15th century when the early police force, Chester's City Watch, looked after the keys of the city at Christmas. 

They marched around Chester to make sure it was secure, followed by a banquet and celebration of Christmas led by the city leaders. 

The Winter Watch parade includes characters from the Midsummer Watch Parade also dating from the 1400s, with the additions of Jack Frost, an angel, fire Skeletons, a dragon, ice queens, devils and cooks with their Victorian Christmas dinner. 

The parade is led by Chester's Karamba Samba, dressed as a ghost band. 

The origins of the Winter Watch Parade can be traced back to archive records from the 1400s (Image via: Cheshire West and Chester council)

Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: "Starting with the 12 Days of Christmas parade, and the lantern parade, we now welcome the Winter Watch Parade, unique to Chester and always popular.

"Chester's Karamba Samba lead both the Midsummer watch and the Winter Watch parades, but for the night parade they turn into a ghost band. 

"The Chester Christmas Market stays open until 8pm so there is a chance to visit the Market as the parade arrives.

"If you miss the first Winter Watch parade, there is a second one on Thursday 12 December, when the night is shared with the Roman Legion celebrating Saturnalia." 

Chester Park and Ride is running late night services over Christmas. The last bus from Foregate Street will be 9pm on Thursdays.