The 2021 Alban Pilgrimage, which commemorates St Alban, Britain’s first saint, took place in St Albans, Hertfordshire on Sunday 27 June.  The day started with a patronal eucharist in the Cathedral at 10 a.m.  At 3 o’clock in the afternoon a procession depicting scenes from the Saint’s martyrdom, gathered at St Michael’s church, and processed to the Abbey, stopping three times along the way to tell the story of his arrest, his crossing of the River Ver (which ‘ran dry in its bed and left him a way to cross’), and his execution.  On reaching the Abbey a hymn was sung by the Abbey choir, and those who wanted to were invited in for a festival evensong.  Participants were told to wear face-coverings and leave two seats between groups or individuals.  At the conclusion of the service the clergy led the congregation past the Saint’s shrine and out of the building.  Usually people toss red roses onto the shrine as they pass, but this year only the clergy and a very small number of other people did so.