Eyeballs on sticks, a beheading, 12-foot Roman soldiers…

That could only mean one thing: the annual St Albans Alban Day Pilgrimage and Festival.

On Saturday 21 June, I had the pleasure of photographing the Alban Day Pilgrimage and Festival in St Albans. Under a blazing 30-degree sun, the city came alive with colour, character and community. The weather was glorious - blue skies, cotton-puff clouds and a welcome breeze that softened the heat.

This is one of my favourite local events to shoot. It’s not just about the spectacle, it’s about people coming together, rooted in tradition, and the opportunity to capture that energy through a creative lens.

The festival marks the story of St Alban, Britain’s first Christian martyr. He gave his life to protect a persecuted priest during Roman times, right here in what was once Verulamium. Every year, the city honours that act of selflessness with a huge procession and celebration, finishing at St Albans Cathedral.

This year’s event was as vibrant and moving as ever, with something extraordinary around every corner.

The procession wound its way through the heart of St Albans, passing the open-air market, which has been running on the same site since 860. That stretch of road, steeped in history, became a colourful river of movement and sound.

Children dressed as Roman soldiers marched proudly alongside adults, waving flags and wearing wide smiles. Some were on foot, others in carts or walking hand in hand with family. They gave the whole event a playful, heartfelt energy that was a joy to photograph.

Then came the giant puppets – towering 12-foot characters representing St Alban, Roman centurions, angels, and even chariots. Among the most striking were the enormous eyeballs on sticks, a surreal and symbolic nod to the legend that Alban’s executioner was struck blind, his eyes said to have fallen from his head. Seeing them bob through the crowd, accompanied by drummers and dancers, added a dramatic, almost dreamlike edge to the experience.

There were also huge animal puppets, including fierce-looking wolves, and a pair of giant peregrine falcons, named Alban and Boudica. They paid tribute to the falcons who nest on the cathedral roof and echoed the symbolism of pilgrimage, vision and freedom.

For me, it was a chance to capture a much-loved local tradition, to tell a story through texture, colour, light, and genuine human moments. From the gleam of a Roman helmet to the sight of rather hot, slightly wilted bishops clutching water bottles under the full sun, every detail added character.

To check out further great events I’ve been fortunate to photograph, click on this link 👉 Events