Winter watch, Chester

A photo from last night but edited today.  The Winter Watch dates from the 1400s when the city leaders handed over the keys of the city to the City watch, the early police force, after parading round the walls  to  ensure that it was safe. The ritual was recreated by Chester council in the 1990s and has grown in popularity and size over the years. 

 The parade winds its way through the streets and onlookers look down  from the rows as the Lord of Misrule, breathing fire, leads the procession past the cathedral, up to Chester Cross and back to the Town Hall.