Chester’s Winter Watch Parade

Dating from the 1400’s Chester’s Winter Watch Parade was held at Christmas. The City leaders would hand over the keys to the City to the City Watch (early police force) after processing around the City to ensure it was secure. There followed a banquet and celebration of Christmas, knowing the City was safe.

The Winter Watch Parade was re-created by the Council in the 1990’s. Unlike the Midsummer Watch that was re-created following the details in the City archives, the Winter Watch has been turned into a fun parade in the lead up to Christmas. Using some of the characters from the Summer Watch, this is a smaller evening parade. The cast of characters changes slightly but generally consists of-

Karamba Samba
The Lord of Misrule
Cooks Band
Devils
Dragons
Angel
Tree of Life

In addition the parade has added a spectacular fire breathing finale, with the Chester Re-enactment group joining as the Chester Watch and a group of giant skeletons.

The Parade starts at 7pm, from the Eastgate Clock. It is usually performed on the first two Thursday’s in December. The parade continues around the City centre including St Werburgh Street, Northgate Street and Bridge Street. The finale taking place in Eastgate Street outside Brown’s of Chester.

Visit the Cast List page for more pictures of the Winter Watch Parades

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