Remembering Britain’s first Christian Martyr.
Thousands of people are expected to join in the Alban Pilgrimage this Saturday.
The annual Pilgrimage – organised by St Albans Cathedral – is a spectacular parade of giant puppets that tell the story of Alban, Britain’s first Christian martyr.
The procession includes Roman centurions, chariots and lions, creating the atmosphere of ancient times and for the first time will include two new puppets – the Cathedral’s own breeding pair of peregrine falcons, Alban and Boudica.
The procession will end in a gathering at the Cathedral Orchard where the execution of Alban will be re-enacted.
The Revd Dr Kevin Walton, Canon Chancellor at the Cathedral, said:
“This year our city’s spectacular Alban Pilgrimage will unite with the vibrant Alban Festival on Saturday 22 June, which this year happens to be St Alban’s Day itself, the day that Alban was executed for his faith on the site of the Cathedral, making him Britain’s first saint and martyr.
“It is especially fitting that our preacher for the Pilgrimage Eucharist will be Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani, the Bishop of Chelmsford. Bishop Guli was born in Iran but had to escape religious persecution with her family, finding a shelter and home in this country. It is a reminder that the story of Alban’s hospitality to a priest seeking refuge still resonates so strongly today.
“We are really looking forward to seeing two new puppets appear for the first time, the Cathedral’s own breeding pair of peregrine falcons, Alban and Boudica. The word ‘peregrine’ itself means ‘pilgrim’, so it is only right that they should feature with the thousands of other pilgrims who will be with us for this great celebration.”
The local council is organising the Alban Festival which will run in concert with the pilgrimage and includes family activities and live music.
St Albans BID (Business Improvement District) is sponsoring the event.
