The story of Saint Alban and Amphibalus is monumental - literally. On Saturday 20 June 2026, as is tradition in St Albans at this time of year, Britain's first saint once again took over the city centre. Not content with a modest retelling, the story arrived with 12-foot puppets, a brass band, Roman soldiers, and several thousand spectators. As ways of remembering a martyr go, it is certainly difficult to ignore.

The story and spectacle began at St Peter's Church, one of the ancient churches built to receive pilgrims and prepare them for their visit to the shrine of St Alban. So it was only fitting that the story sets off from here.

Thousands of people lined the route. Daughter churches were represented, pilgrims came from across the world, and for the second time friends from a church in America dedicated to St Alban joined in the celebrations, waving flags and proudly representing their community.

The procession wound its way from St Peter's to the Cathedral West End—past the Museum + Gallery, where the magistrate tries Alban and condemns him to death; and down historic George Street, where the tunes of the brass band kept spirits high, even going down the hill.

Despite grey clouds above, bright colours fill George street.

But it is only when you arrive at the Cathedral West End that everything comes together - and you stand in genuine awe.

Contingents and groups from across the city and beyond gathered together: international and local bishops, colourful puppets, Roman centurions (many of whom looked suspiciously young for veterans of the Roman army), red Alban roses, rainbow shards of our iconic rose window, roaring lions, a galloping chariot, and much more besides.

One exciting new addition this year was a replica shrine of St Alban, crafted by students from Oaklands College. Although, to be clear, we are not claiming to possess three medieval pedestal shrines - that would simply be unfair on other British cathedrals.

Throughout the day there was a slight nervousness as grey clouds gathered overhead and looked increasingly ominous. Yet the heavens remained closed. That is, until, fleetingly and rather mysteriously, just after Alban's martyrdom, when a few raindrops fell from the sky...

Coincidence? We report. You decide.

Ruth, President of Stop the Traffik, the anti-human trafficking and modern slavery charity, was our guest preacher. A fitting connection too, given Alban's sacrifice and his role as patron saint of refugees. The challenges may look different today, but the call to courage and compassion remains much the same.

A huge thank you to everyone who made the day possible: stewards, puppeteers, masons, chaperones, safety teams, performers, organisers, and the many volunteers whose hard work brought it all together.

And next year promises to be even bigger.

With celebrations marking 150 years of city status and cathedral status, plus a Flower Festival, Luke Jerram's Gaia, and much more still to be announced, 2027 is shaping up to be another towering year.

Photography:

• Toby Shepheard
• Gemma Jones
• Luke Hoskisson