St Albans Cathedral was filled with joy and jubilation as crowds gathered to witness the annual Palm Sunday procession, a tradition that marks the beginning of Holy Week. Led by the cathedral clergy, the procession started at the city's clock tower, weaving its way through to the West End of the cathedral, and culminating in a service.

Thomas the donkey made his second appearance at this service, his role in the procession to symbolise the humble entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. The crowd too helped in this re-enactment: some waving palm leaves, some with more native branches, just as the crowd greeted Jesus's arrival as told in all four gospels. Their branches and palms were blessed with holy water before the procession moved off, arriving through the west doors of the Cathedral and being greeted by music sung by the Parish Singers.

The Parish Singers were not the only musical accompaniment to the service, with the St Albans Young Singers also serenading the congregation with a joyous 'Hosanna'.

© Toby Shepheard Photography