Today is the 23rd April, which means it's St George's Day! George, the patron saint of England, is celebrated annually on April 23rd and I'd like to wish a festive day to my neighbours across the border, and to my fiancé who is a proud Englishman; celebrating his first SGD in Wales after spending the previous 18 in Scotland. You can take the boy out of England...
There are countless ways to get involved in the festivities across England this year, and these are a few of favourites:
London:
In the heart of the city, in iconic Trafalgar Square, there is a FREE family event taking place, with kids and adult activities, live music, cooking demos, dancing, amongst a host of other treats.
As 2016's SGD also coincides with the 400th Anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, the celebrations will have a distinctly Shakespearean twist.
The celebrations kick off at 12pm until 6pm.
Liverpool:
Where else would be more appropriate to host a festival weekend to celebrate the Patron Saint AND the anniversary of the Bard than the historic St. George's Quarter.
To be fair, the festival is more slanted towards the work of Shakespeare than Georgie, but that doesn't mean it won't be fabulous (like everything else Liverpool does, tbh).
There's live plays, reenactments, storytelling, choir singing, craft sessions and puppet making, as well as an exclusive behind the scenes look at how Liverpool Playhouse pulls together a performance of The Two Gentleman of Verona.
Let's face it; there's something for everyone. And even if you're particularly impossible to please, you can always grab some food and a few drinks at any of the countless excellent restaurants and cafes across the city.
Manchester:
Known for its friendly locals and incredible music, Manchester's got to be a safe bet for a wild and wonderful celebration of St George and Shakespeare this weekend.
Starting in Varley St at 11:45am, the St George's Day Street Festival promises to bring back that 'dragon slayer' vibe with samba, food, English wine (no, really...), and street performers.
After (and during) the parade, the action centres on Picadilly Gardens in the city, with comedy and music, as well as a host of family friendly activities.
As well as the city wide organised events, there are dozens of individual celebrations being held by chain and independent business across the area.
Me? I'd be heading straight for The Briton's Protection on Great Bridgewater Street as they've got a raft of English Whisky on offer. Clearly, I'd need to see how good it is in case my home nation's most famous industry has any stiff competition.
Plus: I'm Scottish and there's whisky. Where else would I be??
Birmingham:
Keeping things family orientated, you can take the wee ones along to the Barber Institute of Fine Art and let their imaginations runs free creating dragons! What more could you want??
As well as producing their own, there's also an exhibition of dragon paintings and sculptures to fee their creativity. Once the kiddies have designed their dragon on Saturday, take 'em back on Sunday and let them sculpt the beast.
If anyone has any spare children, I'll gladly take them along. I'm fairly certain I might look at bit out of place on my own. So unfair. I want to make a dragon, too!
There are also tons of other festivals and events on across the length and breadth of England, including this one at Lytham St. Annes and this parade and events in Southampton.
However you decide to celebrate today, stay safe and have a great time!
Suzanne x
No comments:
Post a Comment