On one of the hottest Alban Days in recent years, the people of St Albans and visitors from across the country braved the heat and came together in joyful celebration for Alban Day. With sun-soaked streets and high summer spirits, the event saw thousands turn out to honour Britain’s first saint. 

For a second year, the annual Alban Pilgrimage joined forces with the city’s popular Alban Festival, transforming the city centre into a colourful hub of history, heritage, and joy.

At 11am, the grand pilgrimage procession made its way through the city, led by the awe-inspiring sight of 12-foot puppets retelling the story of St Alban.  Over 100 young people, dressed in rich historical costumes, joined parishes from across the country to bring the story of the saint to life in front of cheering crowds. 

The day continued with a Pilgrimage Eucharist at the Cathedral at noon, followed by an afternoon packed with entertainment and activities across the city centre. From the bustling High Street to the family-filled Orchard, visitors enjoyed craft stalls, performances, historic games, and street food. Highlights included badge-making, a lively mosaic project, and gladiator-themed inflatables that proved a hit with all ages.

This year’s event also featured a moving sermon by our Pilgrimage preacher, The Very Revd Isaac Poobalan, whose words added depth and reflection to the day’s celebrations—our heartfelt thanks go to them for their inspiring message.

As the festivities wound down with a reflective Pilgrimage Evensong at 4pm, the community spirit remained strong.

Elouise Wathen, Events and Visitor Experience Executive at the Cathedral, praised the day’s success:

“It was such a joyous day. Everywhere I looked, there were smiling, rosy-cheeked faces milling about. The best part for me was watching the community come together to enjoy and celebrate our heritage with fun activities, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and beautiful music in the background. The whole city was buzzing—especially in the final part of the procession, as crowds poured into the West End of the Cathedral and spread out through the Orchard and High Street. I loved seeing families playing the historic games. It truly filled my heart.”

Alban Day continues to grow each year, showcasing St Albans as a city of deep history and vibrant culture. With support from St Albans City BID, this year’s event brought even more life to the celebration—uniting faith, community, and festivity in honour of Britain’s first saint.

Fr Kevin, Canon Chancellor said:

“Thank you to all who put so much into making the Alban Pilgrimage such a spectacular celebration of Alban as Britain’s first saint and patron of our wonderful city, from our many dedicated volunteers, to supporting and visiting church groups, the sea cadets escorting Alban in the long procession, the fire brigade providing a welcome and cooling miraculous spring of water, and especially the many brightly costumed children and young people with all their enthusiasm. We at the Cathedral are particularly pleased with this year’s partnership with St Albans BID, making this a whole community event throughout the whole day and we look forward to building on this in future years in order to make Alban Day even better known and supported. Finally, thanks also to our preacher, the Very Revd Isaac Poobalan of St Andrew’s Cathedral in Aberdeen, for bringing alive the story of St Alban and reminding us of his universal significance. ”

Thank you again to everyone who came to this year's celebration. We hope you all can join us again in 20 June 2026.

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Photo credit: Toby Shepheard