A procession of pilgrims paraded through the city centre on their way to St Albans Cathedral this weekend.

Herts Advertiser: The Alban pilgrimage procession. Picture: Richard GillinThe Alban pilgrimage procession. Picture: Richard Gillin (Image: Richard Gillin)

On Saturday thousands of locals turned out to watch the Alban Weekend procession, which included giant puppets reenacting the saint’s tale.

The pilgrims laid roses at Alban’s shrine and the Very Revd Dr Jeffrey John, Dean of St Albans, welcomed them to the abbey in their native languages - which included Romanian, Norwegian and Swedish.

He said it was wonderful: “There was a really happy buzz about the day and enormous thanks and congratulations to everyone who took part.”

On Sunday, 15,000 people attended a six-hour long street party on St Peter’s Street organised by St Albans district council (SADC).

Herts Advertiser: The Alban pilgrimage procession. Picture: Richard GillinThe Alban pilgrimage procession. Picture: Richard Gillin (Image: Richard Gillin)

There were more than 70 traders, street performers, theatre, cabaret, dancing, face-painting, trampolining, and live music. Among the other activities, there was a workshop on First World War poppy-making for children and also on the art of screen painting at St Albans Museum and Gallery.

To celebrate Bike Month, there was also a stunt ramp and an opportunity for the public to try some tricks.

Cllr Salih Gaygusuz, SADC’s Portfolio Holder for the Community, said: “The Alban Street Festival was as popular as ever pulling in 15,000 visitors to our historic city on what was a glorious summer day.

“Organised by the council, this free festival for the community is also part of a wider strategy to attract visitors to our wonderful city.”

Herts Advertiser: The Alban pilgrimage procession. Picture: Richard GillinThe Alban pilgrimage procession. Picture: Richard Gillin (Image: Richard Gillin)

During the event St Albans mayor Cllr Rosemary Farmer opened the Incredible Edible Civic Centre Food Garden managed by FoodSmiles.

She said: “There were lots of activities at the Alban Street Festival for the whole family to enjoy, from music and dance performances to art workshops.

“There was also the Sustainability Zone where I was honoured to open the Incredible Edible garden where volunteers grow free food for people to pick and eat.”

Herts Advertiser: The Alban pilgrimage procession. Picture: Richard GillinThe Alban pilgrimage procession. Picture: Richard Gillin (Image: Richard Gillin)

Herts Advertiser: Crowds at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: ArchantCrowds at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: Crowds at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: ArchantCrowds at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: The Sustainability Zone at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: ArchantThe Sustainability Zone at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: Performers at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: ArchantPerformers at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: Performers at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: ArchantPerformers at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: History workshops at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: ArchantHistory workshops at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: History workshops at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: ArchantHistory workshops at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: Crowds at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: ArchantCrowds at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: Performers at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: ArchantPerformers at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: Performers at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: ArchantPerformers at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: Performers at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: ArchantPerformers at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: The Alban Street Festival. Picture: Stephanie BeltonThe Alban Street Festival. Picture: Stephanie Belton (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: The Alban Street Festival. Picture: Stephanie BeltonThe Alban Street Festival. Picture: Stephanie Belton (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: The Alban Street Festival. Picture: Stephanie BeltonThe Alban Street Festival. Picture: Stephanie Belton (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: The Alban Street Festival. Picture: Stephanie BeltonThe Alban Street Festival. Picture: Stephanie Belton (Image: Archant)