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Peregrine chicks celebrated in city's pilgrimage

Louise Parry
BBC News, Hertfordshire
Toby Shepheard A procession of people dressed up in religious clothing two in sailor's costumes walk through the park carrying two huge puppets of peregrine falconsToby Shepheard
The falcon puppets represent the nesting peregrines at St Albans Cathedral, who have been named Boudicca and Alban

Three peregrine falcon chicks who were born against the odds are being celebrated during a cathedral city's annual pilgrimage.

The chicks were born at a nesting platform on St Albans Cathedral after their parents' first set of eggs was destroyed by a vandal in April.

"As we celebrate Alban Day and honour Britain's first Christian saint, it's a delight to witness new life flourishing right here in our city," said Canon Kevin Walton.

Huge puppets – including peregrine falcons and Roman centurions – will be carried through the Roman city to retell the story of St Alban's execution.

St Albans Cathedral Three white fluffy peregrine chicks sit on the gravel in their nest with their mouths open for feeding. Their mum feeds them - she is grey and white with orange claws.St Albans Cathedral
The three peregrine chicks are strong and healthy, the cathedral says

The procession attracts visitors from beyond Hertfordshire as it celebrates the legacy of the saint who became Britain's first Christian martyr about 1,700 years ago, having been executed in the early 3rd Century by the Romans.

Canon Walton said: "Alban's story is still powerful today as he stood up for truth and justice by sheltering a persecuted stranger.

"It is also the reason why the city is proud to be called St Albans."

Festival activities will take place between 12:00 and 17:00 BST in the city centre and cathedral orchard.

Local theatre company OVO will re-enact "impressive battle formations" as Roman gladiators, while families can take part in a giant jigsaw based on Roman mosaics, heritage trails and clay modelling.

Toby Shepheard St Albans cathedral with a procession of people walking past, some wearing huge puppet costumes -Roman centurions, St Alban himself and a chariot. A group of children in scout hats and white t shirts stand around the saint puppet.Toby Shepheard
St Albans' Roman name was Verulamium, and it was sacked by the Iceni warrior queen Boudicca in AD61

Businesses across the city will also be joining in the activities.

Vivien Cannon, manager of the St Albans City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) group, said: "It's the first time we have teamed up with the cathedral for Alban Day and we are delighted to be part of this must-experience celebration of our city's rich and fascinating heritage.

"We are proud to showcase our city's extraordinary story, its incredible business and retail offering, and our award-winning food and drink."

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