More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the hugely popular Alban Street Festival this weekend, which is returning for the first time after four years.
The six-hour summer street party will celebrate the district’s heritage and diversity, both past and present.
It was cancelled for two years running because of the pandemic and last year was stood down to make way for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Now, the festival is making its comeback from 12pm to 6pm on Sunday, June 25, with a programme of free entertainment including live music, demonstrations of historic crafts and skills, create and play zones, free face painting, and street performers.
There will also be around 100 market stalls selling a mouth-watering variety of takeaway food and drinks. The event, organised by St Albans City & District Council, forms part of the Alban Weekend, with the annual Alban Pilgrimage being held on Saturday, June 24. The parade features giant puppets to celebrate Saint Alban, Britain’s first Christian martyr. His story will be recreated in a procession of Roman chariots, centurions, lions and executioners.
Councillor Lynn Cunningham, lead councillor for events, said: “Our residents are going to be thrilled that the Alban Street Festival is returning and we are expecting a great turn-out. The atmosphere is always fantastic with so much free entertainment on offer throughout the day, set against the dramatic backdrop of our historic city centre.
“There is something to suit people of all ages and interests and I would urge people to come along and not to miss out. It will be a lively weekend with the stunning Alban Pilgrimage taking place on the Saturday.”
The Alban Street Festival is supported by St Albans BID-City Centre Businesses.
Vivien Cannon, manager of St Albans BID, said: “This day gives a great ‘hello and welcome to all’ in celebration of the history behind our town’s founding and namesake, Alban. In keeping with the Alban Street Festival ethos, today’s city centre businesses continue to offer hospitality to visitors and townsfolk with a plethora of products and experiences to enjoy in St Albans every day of the year.”
This Alban Street Festival is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund which has pledged to contribute £79,220 to St Albans Community Events during 2022/23.
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