ENGLAND’S patron saint will be celebrated in Leicester as the city’s annual St George’s Festival returns to Orton Square on Saturday 23rd April.
The packed programme of activities in and around the Cultural Quarter gets under way from 12noon, with a welcome from the Lord Mayor and dancing from the Leicester Morris Men.
Visitors will be able to take part in a Dragon trail with a special map to key locations and activities that will reveal hidden dragons.
There will be lots of things to see and do for all the family. There’ll be dance, puppetry, and stilt walking, as well as arts and crafts, maypole dancing, and storytelling inspired by St George and the Dragon.
Visitors can also look forward to a visit by ‘Flame’ the mighty Dragon. Flame and friends will be in Orton Square at 1pm, 2.15pm and 3.15pm.
Young children will be able to dress up as knights or princesses and join in the costume parade at 2.30pm.
Elsewhere in the Cultural Quarter, LCB Depot on Rutland Street will host family activities until 4pm, where you can make your own crowns, shields, wands, and puppets. Refreshments will be available from its coffee shop.
Leicester Print Workshop will be offering drop-in sessions so you can create your own mythical beast.
Visitors can also take a sneak peek behind the scenes at Two Queens Open Studios Gallery and make a crest inspired by their favourite things. It’s advisable to wear clothes that you don't mind getting messy.
Phoenix Cinema and Arts Centre will be bringing artwork to life on interactive screens as part of a digital workshop.
People also can try their hand at the potter’s wheel and find out about the fantastic workshops on offer at Makers’ Yard.
St George’s Church will be opening its doors and inviting people in to explore the fascinating historical building and the foundation of Leicester’s Cultural Quarter.
The Exchange bar has a special St George’s themed guest ale, warming hot chocolate and limited-edition medieval menu to enjoy while decorating your very own dragon.
Then people can wind down by taking in the city sights from the cosy rooftop terrace of the Brick & Beam from 6pm, where there will be live jazz from local artists.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Piara Singh Clair, who leads on culture, leisure and sport, said: “St George’s Festival is always a great day out for the family and a fantastic way to enjoy the Cultural Quarter. There will be a range of free activities on offer, both in Orton Square and in nearby venues, that people of all ages can enjoy.”
A free programme for the St George’s Festival can be picked up from Visit Leicester information Centre, 4A St Martins (LE1 5DB).
Details are also available online at visitleicester.info