St George’s Day pays tribute to England’s dragon-slaying patron saint and is recognised as the country’s national day. This year the holiday falls on Sunday 23 April. St. George’s emblem, a red cross on a white background, is the flag of England and part of the British flag. Here are some of the celebrations that will be taking place:
St. George’s Day at Borough Market
Borough Market will be celebrating English and Catalan culture to mark St George’s Day with a serenading from the London Catalan Choir, arts workshops and a ‘human tower’ performance by Castellers of London. A bookstall will be brought to the market, along with guest writer, crime author Teresa Solana. The market will be open from 12pm-4pm on the 23rd.
Vauxhall Pleasure Garden St. George’s Festival
This family-friendly festival will feature knights in armour, falconers, jesters, wandering minstrels, and Punch and Judy shows. 2017 also welcomes back Battle of the Nations for the third London Tournament, where full contact medieval combat take place. This festival will be open both Saturday the 22 and Sunday the 23rd. This event is free.
The Great Southwark Dragon Quest
Put your creativity to the max in making a dragon costume, wings, scales, what have you! Everyone will be gathering at Tabard Street piazza SE1 1JA, and this magical celebration of St. George’s Day takes place Friday April 21 and Saturday April 22. This event is £3 for adults and free for children.
Feast of St. George
The Mayor of London’s celebration of St. George takes place in Trafalgar Square. The celebration will feature live demos from leading London chefs as well as an English farmer’s market and banqueting area. Family games, brass bands, a medieval jousting tiltyard and plenty more activity will keep the day busy! The events start at noon on Sunday April 22 and are free.
