Saint George, patron saint of England saved a princess from the fiery wrath of a dragon. Each year on the 23rd April this is celebrated with St George’s Day. Of course you may be suspicious of the truth behind this legendary act. There are many variations of the tale but unfortunately, no myths will be debunked here!
We are instead going to focus on the most popular places to celebrate St George’s Day in England instead. Covering the popular feasts and festivals down to the slightly more unusual, here is a guide to help you get into the spirit of Saint George’s Day.
Feast of St George
Where is it: Trafalgar Square, London
When is it: Saturday 23rd April 2016 from 12pm – 6pm.
What is it: Live cookery demonstrations, live music, themed activities and a whole host more.
Photo by: fabiopensi/Fotolia
This is a free event held in Trafalgar Square each year. Being free, it is extremely popular so always best to get there early. In 2016, as the 23rd April also marks 400 years since the death of the playwright William Shakespeare, there will be themed activities surrounding this too.
More information about this event can be found at VisitLondon.com.
St George’s Festival
Where is it: Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
When is it: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 24th April 2016 from 10am – 6pm.
What is it: Medieval jousting, falconry displays, gladiator’s arena.
The tickets for this event range from £4.50 to £7 per day for members of English Heritage and £10.40 to £16.80 for non-members. Family tickets are also available. This is considered to be one of the biggest Saint George’s day celebrations in England. It looks like a real treat for the whole family too.
Find out more about this on the English Heritage Website.
A Gala for St George
Where is it: Royal Albert Hall, London
When is it: Saturday 30th April 2016, 7:30pm.
What is it: A mixture of poems, songs and readings to celebrate England’s national day.
Photo by: alice_photo/Fotolia
This event is presented by Kevin Whately of Lewis and Inspector Morse fame. This is a much more traditional affair and will suit those looking to celebrate the Saint George, but in a more muted fashion. Visiting the Royal Albert Hall is certainly a spectacle in itself. If you have never seen any live music here, you must go. You won’t be disappointed. Tickets for the stalls cost £53 per person.
Buy tickets for this event here.
St George’s Day Charity Festival
Where is it: Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
When is it: Wednesday 20th April – Sunday 24th April
What is it: A variety of charity events including a tea dance, golf day, parade, a black tie dinner and much more.
Being a charity event, raised money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, and Trinity Hospice makes this a rewarding event to be involved with. There are a variety of events across five days, so there should be something to suit everyone. Book you place online and enjoy getting into the community spirit.
Find out all of the information you need to know here.
St George’s Day Marathon
Where is it: Walmer, Kent
When is it: Saturday 23rd April starting at 8am.
What is it:As the name would suggest, it’s a marathon!
Not for the faint of heart, this marathon involves 5 laps of Walmer Castle through to Deal on the coast. Incorporating a red and white theme, you can run in fancy dress. You’ll even get a medal at the end. It costs £35 to enter, but if you’re up for a challenge, this could be for you.
Discover more about the St George’s Day Marathon.
Poole St George’s Day Festival
Where is it: Baiter Harbourside Park, Poole, Dorset
When is it: Saturday 23rd April – Sunday 24th April starting at 10:30am
What is it: A family friendly festival with music, fancy dress and traditional English displays.
Costing £3.68 – £14.51 for a ticket, this purse friendly event will suit everyone from the little ones to older members of the family. Watch both tribute acts and local artists as well as a Punch and Judy show, Morris Dancers and a Falconry display.
St George’s Day Celebrations
Where is it: Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
When is it: Saturday 23rd April – Sunday 24th April, 11am – 4pm.
What is it: A series of craft activities to mark St George’s Day.
Photo by: spumador/Fotolia
You will have to pay the standard entry fee for the castle to partake in the crafts laid on for this event, costing £4.60 for a child and £9.15 per adult. Combine taking the time to explore this medieval castle and you may even get to the meet the dragon if you’re lucky.
Find out more about Bodiam Castle.
Lots to choose from …
There are a surprising amount of events to enjoy across England to celebrate St George’s Day spanning from family friendly festivals, to sports events and classical music.
If you want to create some culinary wonders over to celebrate instead, take a look at these traditional recipes.
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