By George, What a Good Idea

19 April 2017 | Updated 01 January 1970

London is just one of the towns and cities in England that are set to make its St George’s Day celebrations as big as possible this year - and ThisWeekinFM is encouraging all building owners to fly the Cross of St George proudly from rooftops, windows - and of course, flag poles.

St George’s Day falls this coming Sunday but Londoners and Tourists will get a few treats on the Saturday.

The London Marathon takes place on Sunday as well.

The Cross of St George has been raised outside City Hall and the final preparations are being made for celebrations in Trafalgar Square.

The Feast of St George

The Feast of St George is an event designed to highlight the very best of English history, food and culture. It will take place in Trafalgar Square. This year’s festivities promise more performers, activities and gastronomic fare than ever before.

The main stage programme includes performances by Crystal Palace Brass Band, indie folk band Patch and the Giant and choral sensation the Military Wives Choirs. Headlining the celebrations is ‘Streets of London’ folk musician Ralph McTell. Also performing on the main stage is Clarissa Mae, winner of the Mayor’s 2016 Busk in London competition for budding street musicians and Dat Brass, a hip-hop brass band who were winners in 2015. There’s plenty of dance to enjoy too, with female Morris dancers Belles of London taking to the stage alongside Folk Dance Remixed - a company that blends Maypole, Clogging, Ceilidh, Street, House and Breakdance with a hint of African and Bollywood. Vistors can also experience a Ceilidh Jam Workshop on the North Terrace of the Square.

Grub

For budding chefs, there will be a Cookery Theatre, which will showcase the very best of English culinary traditions by top chefs including Theo Randall (River Café & InterContinental, London) and BBC Masterchef winner, Natalie Coleman. There will also an English Food Market, featuring lots of stalls offering high quality English fare and a banqueting area, where visitors can enjoy performances from musicians on the main stage. The centrepiece of the festivities will be a colourful St George’s Dragon overlooking the Square. The market will offer everything from hog roasts to pies, to cakes, tarts and meringues. There will even be a ‘London cab’ selling ice-creams and lollies. The majority of the food stalls are from Borough Market, local farms and winners of the British Urban Street Food Awards.

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Families and children will enjoy the Magical Kingdom, which will feature magic activities and wizardry, including a ‘magical’ owl, fun fairground rides and children’s entertainers. There will also be a St George’s themed Treasure Trail around Central London, highlighting the capital’s connections with England’s patron saint. Actors dressed as Knights and Ladies will give out clues to the public as they search for the Dragon’s name. The first 100 to meet the Dragon in the Square and know his name will be awarded a special ‘Treasure Trail’ token and be knighted by the King, who will sit alongside the mythical creature.

Visitors should also look out for performers reading Shakespeare’s sonnets, Jane Austen and Sherlock Holmes, court jesters, magicians, and iconic Pearly Kings and Queens as they make their way through the Square, entertaining the crowds.

The Mayor is also hosting a special exhibition at City Hall depicting the capital’s history and heritage. The exhibition, 'I am London', reflects the diverse and multi-layered history of London, its people and the historic places that bear witness to the city’s past, present and future. Visitors can see the exhibition in City Hall or by The Scoop in More London until 28 April.

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www.stgeorgesday.com/st-georges-day

Article written by Cathryn Ellis | Published 19 April 2017