CHESTER'S final impressive festive parade of the season saw Roman Legion soldiers take to the streets with flaming torches.
Lighting their torches and marching through the city centre, Chester’s Deva Victrix 20th Legion took back control of their city as Chester Roman Tours celebrated Saturnalia.
Saturnalia and Winter Watch parade led by giant skeletons from Chester Town Hall.
Saturnalia was the feast at which the Romans commemorated the dedication of the temple of the god Saturn.
Adding to the spectacle, the Winter Watch Parade joined the Romans at the Christmas Market in Town Hall Square.
Saturnalia and Winter Watch parade led by giant skeletons from Chester Town Hall.
Starting at 7pm, the Winter Watch parade included many characters from the Medieval Midsummer Watch Parade; the origins of both go back to the 1400s.
Saturnalia and Winter Watch parade led by giant skeletons from Chester Town Hall.
Led by two giant skeletons in top hats, the parade made its way around the city centre with City Watch Men, angels, devils, fire skeletons, dragons and cooks with their Victorian Christmas Dinner.
Saturnalia and Winter Watch parade led by giant skeletons from Chester Town Hall.
Saturnalia and Winter Watch parade led by giant skeletons from Chester Town Hall.
The City Watch was Chester’s early police force; records show that at Christmas the City Watch took control of the keys to the city after processing around Chester to make sure it was secure.
The festivities were enjoyed by hundreds of people, with many in the city to enjoy the Christmas Market as well as Meatloaf by Candlelight at the cathedral.
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