The Midsummer Watch Parade dates back to Tudor times and Chester’s parade is renowned throughout the country with records dating back to 1498. It was abandoned in the 1670s and revived in 1989. Today’s floats are loosely based on records of the original parade and include a unicorn, elephant, camel, and dragon. There is also a huge ship; a reminder that Chester was once an important port.
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| Ship. |
The procession was led by Karamba Samba, a Community Samba Band from Chester. School children processed proudly with their handmade offerings.
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| Karamaba Samba entertaining the crowds outside the town hall. |
We met up with the caravan outside the town hall. This year we had an addition to our caravan, besides Balaam`s Ass, and not one but two camels – a dromedary and a bactrian!
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| Aisha, Kebi and Phoenece leading the camel train! |
On Saturday the weather was a bit unsettled but it wasn’t going to stop us from having some fun – Kebi, Naima and I processed whilst playing our sagat.
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| Naima and Phoenece with the mayor’s chariot – maybe we’ll leave this to the professionals! |
On Sunday the weather brightened up so Kebi decided to give her new frame drum an airing and Aisha played the riq. We got the chance to do some dancing to the beat of the drums outside the town hall.
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| Dancing outside the town hall – yes that is Aisha behind the drum! |
It was a lovely weekend. Thank you to the organisers for inviting us to join them again this year - I hope we get invited back to this historic event next year.
If you want to find out more about this history of Chester’s Midsummer Watch Parade check out their website.
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