Crowds of 15,000 at Alban Street Festival
Fun was had by all at the Alban Street Festival on Sunday when 15,000 people flocked to the City centre to enjoy free entertainment in the summer sun.
The crowds at the six-hour festival in St Albans were treated to street performance acts, dance displays, theatre shows, face painting, puppet making, games and live music.
They were also able to take a break from the excitement of the festival by feasting on refreshments at more than 70 food and drink stalls lining St Peter’s Street.
Highlights included a bike zone with live stunt shows to celebrate Hertfordshire’s Year of Physical Activity Bike Month. There was also a special World War One zone where children learned about life as a soldier and the story behind the poppy.
Councillor Salih Gaygusuz, the Council’s Portfolio Holder for Business and the Community, said:
The Alban Street Festival was as popular as ever pulling in 15,000 visitors to our historic City on what was a glorious summer day. Organised by the Council, this free festival for the community is also part of a wider strategy to attract visitors to our wonderful City.
During the event, the Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, Cllr Rosemary Farmer, opened the Incredible Edible Civic Centre Food Garden managed by FoodSmiles.
The Mayor said:
There were lots of activities at the Alban Street Festival for the whole family to enjoy, from music and dance performances to art workshops. There was also the Sustainability Zone where I was honoured to open the Incredible Edible garden where volunteers grow free food for people to pick and eat.
The street festival marked the culmination of the annual two-day Alban Weekend which started with the Alban Pilgrimage parade of giant puppets on Saturday 23 June.
The procession brought to life the story of Saint Alban, the first recorded Christian martyr in Britain, who was executed by the Romans.
Hundreds of children, young people and adults helped dramatise Alban’s martyrdom as the parade made its way along St Peter’s Street and on to St Albans Cathedral. The Mayor also joined the parade dressed in her official regalia.
Councillor contact:
Councillor Salih Gaygusuz, Portfolio Holder for Business and Community Councillor at St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 858289, Email: cllr.s.gaygusuz@stalbans.gov.uk
Contact for the media:
Amanda Wilkinson, Senior Communications Officer, St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 819317, E-mail: amanda.wilkinson@stalbans.gov.uk
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Photo credit: Stephanie Belton
