A big celebration in Old Market Square, including a parade, combat display knights and storytelling is marking St George’s Day.
Nottingham City Council will hold events from 10am-5pm to celebrate the patron saint of England.
Councillor Dave Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure and culture said: “Nottingham hosts one of the biggest St George’s day celebrations in England, and since 23 April falls on a Saturday, we’re making the event even better this year.
“We’re proud to be putting on a great free day out in Nottingham for everyone this St George’s Day. With such a variety of free activities, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.”
St George is celebrated by a host of countries including: Portugal, Iraq, Albania, Hungary, Lebanon and Syria.
Geoff Howell, treasurer for the Nottinghamshire Royal Society of St George, which is involved in the event, said: “I don’t think we’re doing enough to celebrate it, first of all it should be a public holiday and it should be pushed a bit more.”
He added that he believed you don’t need to be English-born to celebrate the patron saint.
There will also be a large St George’s cross displayed in front of the Council House and an event at Nottingham Central Library to celebrate 400 years since the death of William Shakespeare.
All day: Storytelling with Amanda Smith will take place throughout the day, focusing on the myths and legends of England, St George and King Arthur.
All day: Craft activities – make a dragon puppet, sword or English rose
All day (except during the Parade): Robin Hood and St George will be in the Square to meet and take pictures with people.
All day: The Household will be demonstrating medieval crafts (embroidery and needlework) and letting visitors handle replica weapons and armour
10:30 – 10:50am – A Tale of Robin Hood
10:50 11:10am – Combat displays by knights from The Household Medieval Re-enactment Society
11:30am – 12:30pm – Traditional English Folk music with the Keith Kendrick Band and Mortimer’s Morris and Heage Windmillers dancers
12:30 – 1pm – Radford Branch Royal Society of St. George Parade arrives, including St. George on horseback.
1 – 2pm – Traditional English Folk Music with the Dovetail Trio and Mortimer’s Morris and Heage Windmillers dancers
2 -2:45pm – Brass Band concert with Carlton Brass band
2:45 – 3:05pm – A Tale of Robin Hood
3:05 – 3:25pm – Combat displays by knights from The Household Medieval Re-enactment Society
3:45 – 4:30pm – Brass Band concert with Carlton Brass band
