Join us on June 20th for a truly spectacular day celebrating the rich history of St Albans and honouring the legacy of St Alban, Britain’s first saint. Brought to you by St Albans Cathedral and St Albans City Centre BID.

Alban Festival

10 am – 4pm Civic Centre Plaza 

Live Music & Broadcasts from a 15‑strong local ukulele band and Mix 92.6 broadcasting live from the festival between 11am–2pm.

Medieval Life & Living History
Interactive workshops, displays and demonstrations, including:

Pilgrims’ games and activities played on medieval journeys
Chain maille making
Medieval writing and manuscript workshops
Apothecary and spice merchant displays
Holy relic seller experiences
Talks and demonstrations on medieval medicine, surgery and the treatment of leprosy
Insightful discussions on medieval religion and pilgrimage, exploring beliefs around purgatory and faith

Theatre, Storytelling & Performances

Medieval jester performances (3 x 30‑minute shows), including interactive “fool school”, a main stunt show, and a comic sword‑fighting side show, plus walkabout entertainment throughout the day
Alban martyrdom plays (3 performances), retelling how Alban became Britain’s first saint, performed by a local church group from London Colney

Hands‑On Crafts & Creative Activities

Pottery Colosseum – help build a collaborative pottery installation with Dacorum Pottery Society
Coin printing of St Albans and giant jigsaws for interactive self‑play

Family Fun & Activities

Free face painting (queues close at 3pm to ensure those waiting are seen)
Free crazy golf inspired by Samuel Ryder and his Blue Plaque
Static owl display with expert keepers on hand to share fascinating facts

Alban Pilgrimage

11am – 12pm  Starting at St Peter’s Church

Alban Day begins with the Alban Pilgrimage Procession from St Peter’s Church, weaving through the city to St Albans Cathedral Orchard with 12-foot puppets. A dramatic, visual retelling of Alban’s story for all ages.

Pilgrimage Eucharist

12pm St Albans Cathedral

All are invited to join Pilgrimage Preacher The Very Revd Isaac Poobalan, with stirring music and timeless tradition.

Pilgrimage Evensong 

4pm St Albans Cathedral

Close the day with a moment of reflection at the Cathedral, concluding with a final procession to the Shrine of St Alban.

Road Closures 

The St Albans Cathedral’s road closures will be in effect from 10:30 till 12:15 shown here in red

Procession route is shown in green

If you have any questions, please contact St Albans Cathedral:

Tel. 01727 890210

1. mail@stalbanscathedral.org

Make sure your staff and customers know what is happening to help them plan their visit to St Albans.

The Pilgrimage Procession will pass through the town with a ‘rolling road closure’ which means that once the procession has passed, the roads re-open but High Stret and George Steet including the Verulumn Road junction will remain closed all day.

The Pilgrimage Procession will pass through the town from St Peter’s Church with a ‘rolling road closure’ which means that once the procession has passed, the roads re-open.

The sections of roads will be closed on Saturday 20 June 2026, when signs are in place.

If you have any queries about the temporary road closures please contact Jimmy Aitken tel. 07470 488280 at St Albans Cathedral or Tom Cole tel. 0300 123 4047 at Hertfordshire County Council.

For Cathedral led activities: Visit https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/alban-pilgrimage