Leicester’s annual one day event will take place on Saturday 23 April. Celebrations will begin at 12pm on Orton Square in the city’s cultural quarter, where Lord Mayor of Leicester Cllr Ted Cassidy will officially open the event. A fun-filled day out for all of the family.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES:
Morris Men will be performing throughout the day with opportunity for visitors to join in with the maypole dancing and Bang on the Wall Band will provide the folk-dancing finale to the celebrations in the square at 4pm, when a dance caller will lead the audience through the steps of easy-to-learn dances.
A fancy-dress parade of little knights and princesses led by Sylvesta the Leicester Jesta, where prizes can be won for the best costumes.
Children will be able to take part in a dragon trail competition, with maps available on the day from the information point on Orton Square on the day, or in advance from the Visit Leicester website.
Leicester Libraries Book Bus will be in the square offering story-telling sessions, and Genii Productions will have an arts tent with lots of activities including the chance to make knights’ shield and decorations for princesses.
Bill Brookman will be hosting street art workshops including circus skills, balloon modelling and bubble making in Halford Square near the Ramada Encore Hotel.
Curve Theatre will host a St George and The Dragon play, with a showcase for singer/songwriters with the Get Music live event from 1-4pm. There will be more live music at the Ale Wagon and Exchange Bar.
Leicester Market will also be joining in the celebrations with its family friendly re-enactment of St George rescuing a damsel from a dastardly dragon at 11am and 1pm.
Many other events and activities will take place on the day around the city of Leicester as part of the St George’s day festival, including an open day at Leicester Print Workshop and Two Queen’s gallery.
Cllr Piara Singh Clair, Assistant City Mayor for culture, heritage and leisure, said: “The St George’s celebrations are now an established part of the city’s festival calendar, and its popularity grows every year.
“Once again, there will be a huge range events on offer, both in Orton Square and in nearby venues, with activities that will appeal to all tastes and ages.”
The festival will run until 5pm. For more information and full details of all activities are available at: www.visiteleicester.info/stgeorgesfestival
