Chester Mid Summer Watch Parade

After seeing the Mid Summer Watch Parade last year by chance we visited Chester yesterday especially to watch the parade again. We almost didn't make it on time as on the way we got stuck behind a heavy load vehicle which added 45 minutes to the journey but we managed to arrive just as it was beginning.

Little L still wasn't too keen on the green men or any of the other large puppets and kept hiding behind us when she knew one was getting close. There were lots of people watching again and I just wonder how busy it gets when the parade is on the Saturday. We had a good day out and the rain even stayed away until we got back home. 

Chester Mid Summer Watch Parade

Yesterday on a day out to Chester we were fortunate to witness something rather unexpected, the Chester's Mid Summer Watch Parade. It was unexpected to us at least and not to the many people who had turned up especially to watch the event. Our trip was to buy a dressing up costume and school socks for Little L and then while we were going to take her to the museum. Just after lunch time I popped into Tescos for something to feed my hungry lot on then went to find a spot to sit. We went walked through a part we had never been before and noticed some people walking on and off a field wearing costumes and face paint. I thought maybe there was a Summer Fair or festival taking place so I took some steps leading to one of the walls for better look. The field was full of people in groups wearing a variety of costumes, devils, green men, crows, suns, fish. Luckily I had my camera because we were meant to be going to the museum. I would have kicked myself if I didn't have it with me with all this going on.

We must have watched them getting ready ( what for I didn't know at this point )for about half an hour. Plenty of other people had gathered by this point so I wasn't they only nosey one around. When they began the exit the field Little L wanted to know what they were doing and I said we could follow them. Little L had never seen a parade before so it was really exciting for her. One of the ladies who was in the group of suns asked Little L if she wanted to join them which I thought of very nice of her but Little L was too shy. She was fascinated by the green men but when one came near to her to shake her hand, she squealed and backed into a hedge. I think she liked them but at a distance. The town centre was very busy by now but we managed to find a good spot to watch the parade.

 

We had a fantastic day and will go especially for the event next year. When we got home I looked into this parade ( I love the internet for this kind of thing ) and they also have one in Winter. This link gives some more history about the parade.