Russell Kirk with white face as the Jester in the Mid-Winter Watch Parade from Town Hall Square, parading down St. Werburgh Street, Eastgate Street, Bridge Street, in Chester. Karamba Samba a ‘ghost band’ led a fun parade of skeletons, fire breathing, white-faced skeleton Christmas cooks, angels and devils as they celebrated the Winter solstice. An event which dates from the 1400’s, where local artists and community groups join together to celebrate the time when the city leaders would hand over the keys to the city.
"High winds night did not affect an historic tradition taking place in Chester city centre on Thursday, December 5. The medieval Midwinter Watch Parade went ahead at 7pm as the storm that hit the North West during the afternoon began to move further east. A host of characters marched through the main streets of Chester including devils, ice maidens, ravens, cooks and planets. Community groups, students, schoolchildren and individuals took part in the parade which dates back to the 15th century. It was set up in 1498 to celebrate the winter solstice, when community leaders would hand the keys of the city to the early police force ensuring Chester was safe for all the celebrations. Thursday’s parade stopped at the Cross where the 'Watch' presented the keys to the city to Lord Mayor Cllr Jill Houlbrook. Karamba Samba led the parade with organiser Russell Kirk as the Jester." Source Chester Chronicle.
Size: 2400px × 3600px
Location: Chester, Cheshire, UK
Photo credit: © MediaWorldImages / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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