When
23rd April 2009
Where
London
Enjoy St Georges Day London events with live music, parades, children’s activities and more. Fly the flag and celebrate English heritage in London.
St Georges Day at Trafalgar SquareGetting the St Georges Day London events off to a flying start, Trafalgar Square will be host to some of the most famous names in English folk music on the weekend before St Georges Day, with a Contemporary Music, English Roots concert free for all to enjoy. Creating a true music lovers delight, the atmosphere will be one of a traditional English fete with live entertainment from Eliza Carthy, Jim Moray and other stars of the contemporary folk scene.
Shakespeare’s birthday partyShakespeare shares his birthday with St Georges Day and the Globe at Bankside will be the location of a huge party celebrating the birthday of the Bard himself with special workshops, games and activities. Visitors also have the chance to hear Globe actors recite some of Shakespeare's sonnets, and go on a guided walk of Shakespearean London. The birthday events take place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th April, and on St Georges Day, Thursday 23rd April 2009 you can see one of Shakespeare's most well loved plays, Romeo and Juliet, at the start of the new theatre season at The Globe.
St Georges Day for kidsPlenty of museums, galleries and London venues are putting on special events for kids and families around St Georges Day, with arts and crafts workshops and live performances to keep everyone happy. Choose from Punch and Judy shows, Morris and Maypole dancing and dragon making at places such as the V&A Museum of Childhood and the Royal Air Force Museum.
Festival for St George at St Georges GardensLive music plus dance performed by the Bollywood Bangles dance company will be accompanied by traditional Punch and Judy plays at the free event in St Georges Gardens. Cake stalls and medieval style archery will also feature at this lively St Georges Day London event.
St Georges Day pub grubThe Prince Albert in Camden traditionally puts on some delicious fare for those in need of patriotic sustenance. On this year's menu, you can choose from a variety of great English pies, washed down with a pint of English ale for just £10.95.
Patriotic pintsThose celebrating St Georges Day can head to a variety of traditional English pubs and restaurants to indulge in a good old fashioned pint and some hearty grub to celebrate the day in style. From The Gun in Docklands to the Davy's winebars throughout the city, there's plenty of special offers and menus to keep olde English hearts happy.
Music at Royal Albert HallHead to the Royal Albert Hall for a patriotic evening of music as Leslie Phillips introduces Rule Britannia, Land of Hope and Glory and other English classic pieces. Rousing music coupled with stirring readings from John Betjeman and Shakespeare will make for a fantastic ending to the day.
St George at the National GalleryOne of the most famous images of St George fighting the dragon is on display in the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. Many tourists and Londoners will be keen to see the man in the armour doing his bit on St Georges Day, and if you do go along to see Tintoretto's version of Saint George and the Dragon, you can check out the painting in the gallery on 23rd April for free and also see a live English folk and drama performance by the Suffolk Howlers.
Henry VIIIWhat better way to spend St Georges Day than finding out more about one of England's most famous, and infamous kings? 2009 marks the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's ascension to the throne, and a landmark exhibition, guest curated by David Starkey, is opening at the British Library on St Georges Day. There's also the exhibition of Henry's impressive armour and weapons at the Tower of London.
St Georges Day falls on Thursday 23rd April 2009, with St Georges Day London events taking place during the week preceeding and over the following weekend.