Medieval magic as Winter Watch parade lights up Chester on Thursday
Chester’s Winter Watch parade will return to the city centre on Thursday 4 December at 7pm, with a second parade scheduled for Thursday 11 December. Both processions will start from the Christmas Market in Town Hall Square.
The parade features a lively cast of characters inspired by the 1400s, including Jack Frost, an Angel, Fire Skeletons, Dragons, Ice Queens, Devils and Victorian-era Cooks. Chester’s Karamba Samba will lead the parade, performing as a ghost band.
Councillor Lisa Denson, Cabinet Member for A Fairer Future (Poverty, Public Health and Mental Health), said:
“We started the festive celebrations with the 12 Days of Christmas parade and the Lantern Parade. Now we welcome the popular Winter Watch Parade, unique to Chester. Chester’s Karamba Samba are well known for leading our Midsummer Watch parade, but now they turn into a ghost band to lead the Winter Watch parades.”
“The Chester Christmas Market stays open until 8pm so there is a chance to visit the Market and watch the parade. If you miss the first Winter Watch parade, there is a second one on Thursday 11 December when the night is shared with the Roman Legion celebrating Saturnalia.”
The Winter Watch parade’s origins date back to the 1400s when Chester’s City Watch, an early form of police, patrolled the city to ensure it was safe during the Christmas period. The watchmen carried the keys of the city and concluded their duties with a banquet and festive celebration hosted by city leaders.
The event is now one of Chester’s most distinctive festive traditions, combining medieval history with modern performance.
Chester Park and Ride will operate extended services on Thursdays over the Christmas period, with the last bus from Foregate Street at 9pm.
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
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