Chester prepares for Midsummer Watch festival

By Dherran Titherington 11th Jun 2025

One of Britain's oldest festivals will return to Chester's streets next weekend (Nub News)
One of Britain's oldest festivals will return to Chester's streets next weekend (Nub News)

One of Britain's oldest festivals will return to Chester's streets next weekend.

Chester's Midsummer Watch is a tradition reflecting 500 years of the city's history, taking place on Saturday 21 June and Sunday 22 June.

The parade route runs through the city centre, leaving Chester Town Hall Square at 2pm on both days.

It will move from Chester High Cross to Watergate Street, Bridge Street, Eastgate Street and St Werburgh Street - before returning to the Town Hall square for a finale.

The parade is led by the Summer Watch drummer and the City Guilds - joined by a pirate ship, dragons, angels, the Chester Ravens, Raven Band, Devil Band and more.

The Hippogriff from Greek Mythology will also return to the mythical beasts section.

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' - huge figures towering at four metres high.

     

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