Councils lead St George's day charge

21 April 2011

Jesters, minstrels and even the odd dragon will be taking to the streets on Saturday with thousands of patriotic revellers set to join their councils in celebrating St George's Day.

From jousting knights in shining armour to medieval maids dancing merrily, hundreds of events are planned across the country to bring communities together and boost tourism in honour of England's patron saint.

There will also be street parties, story-telling, tea dances, circus skills, plays, medieval combat training, puppet shows and fancies dress competitions, along with dozens of other activities for people young and old to get involved with.

Baroness Margaret Eaton, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said:

“Councils see bringing their communities together as one of their key roles, and St George's Day provides a great opportunity to do this.

“Town halls across the country have laid on a huge range of fun events to encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the day, as well as hopefully boost visitors to tourist attractions and town and city centres.”

Examples of celebrations taking place across the country:

Budding knights are invited to slay boredom at Clitheroe Castle by trying their hand at medieval combat training during a St George's extravaganza organised by Ribble Valley Borough Council and Lancashire Museums Service. As well as medieval combat training, the three-day event includes a dragon hunt, storytelling and weapons and armour handling.

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council is laying on a host of activities, including a giant sing-along and civic procession through the town, along with music and dancing; displays of historic artwork, glass and paintings in the Council House; a Punch and Judy show, knight mask and shield making and a knights and dragons story session in Dudley Library; and a tea dance at Dudley Concert Hall.

Gravesend town centre will be home to medieval 'mummers' and a big brass band, organised by Gravesham Borough Council. Thespians will also be enacting the noble tale of St George and the Dragon.

Telford & Wrekin Council's celebrations will include a farmers' market and events in and around Telford's shopping centre, including themed arts and crafts, George and the Dragon puppet shows, magic shows, jesters, circus skills, storytelling, music, dance, Morris dancers, medieval minstrels, steamroller printing, a giant colouring-in activity and a fancy dress competition with a prize for everyone who takes part.

Barking and Dagenham Council is encouraging local people to hold street parties to celebrate St Georges Day. It has put together a simple application form and successful applicants could be awarded up to £450 to help pay for their event. The council will provide each street party with a toolkit that will include decorations, ideas and guidance to help make them as fun as possible. The council has also organised a medieval-themed event complete with jousting, 'dragon slaying', falconry and jesters.
Birmingham City Council is laying on a fete-style celebration where traditional English food and drink, Morris dancing, music, and crafts will fill Victoria and Chamberlain Squares. There will also be the chance to meet St George, take part in Easter bonnet workshops and savour traditional treats from the farmers market, alongside rides and free face painting for children.

Bromsgrove Council's celebrations will include a brass band, art workshop and best-dressed shop window and market stall competitions, along with the usual celebratory flags and bunting, in the town centre.

Revellers will be able to meet St George at Ancient High House, the largest timber framed house from Tudor times, and try on arms and armour and period costumes, courtesy of Stafford Borough Council. Children's activities include a dragon making workshop.

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