CHESTER'S Midsummer Watch hits the streets this weekend.

Saturday and Sunday is due to see the parade with its giants, beasts, animated tableaux and kaleidoscope of characters.

Schools, local groups, musicians and families will be joining in the festivities and re-creating the medieval street pageant.

The spectacle is one of Britain's oldest festivals with the tradition reflecting 500 years of the city's history.

In Medieval and Tudor times, the event was renowned throughout the country.

It was revived in 1989 after a lapse of 300 years and is now established as a major city festival and tourist attraction.

The route takes in Town Hall Square, St Werburgh Street, Eastgate Street, Watergate Street, Bridge Street and Northgate Street and back to the Town Hall Square.

The parade starts at 2pm.