MIDSUMMER revellers flocked to Chester this weekend for an extravaganza of colour and culture.

Chester’s Midsummer Watch Parade, dating back to 1498, attracted thousands with its astonishing display of giants and animals.

The parade ran on Saturday and Sunday from 2pm.

It started at the Chester Town Hall Square and travelled down St Werburgh Street onto Eastgate Street, through to Watergate Street, Bridge Street, Northgate Street and back to the Town Hall.

Following this fire breathers, jugglers and dancers entertained the crowds in the Chester Town Hall Square.

Originally the parade, one of Britain’s oldest celebrated festivals, took place on the years that the Chester Mystery Plays were not held.

In its early years, the event caused a lot of controversy when in 1564 it featured the traditional “devil in feathers” and a number of naked boys as well as famous giants, hobbyhorses, unicorns, camels and dragons.

Event organiser Kristine Szulik said: “The festival aimed to help local families and children take a proactive interest in their heritage and culture, as well as offering complementary concerts and activities to the prestigious midsummer events already staged in the city.

“It focused on Chester’s medieval reputation for pageantry and giant making, all designed to unite the community.”

The event was banned in 1600 by Henry Hardware, a Protestant Mayor. Robert Brerewood, the next Mayor, allowed the parade to return without the contentious characters taking part.