Thousands attend festivities in Birmingham city centre to celebrate St George's Day

Apr 26 2010 by Steve Bradley, Birmingham Mail

ALL hail St George! Thousands of patriotic people packed into Birmingham city centre for a day of festivities celebrating England’s patron saint – including a mock battle.

Saturday sunshine helped to draw Brummies to Victoria Square and Chamberlain Square to enjoy everything from flag-inspired face-painting to a special beer, England’s Glory, by sponsors Davenports.

The Sutton Coldfield-based Dark Ages Charitable Trust staged a fight re-enactment between the Anglo-Saxons, defending the Staffordshire Hoard in the adjacent Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

The Trust, which brings to life Celtic, Saxon, Norse and Norman cultures, attracted huge crowds to the steps of Chamberlain Square.

Trust “chieftain” Paul Craddock said: “An event like this promotes the heritage of this country, and it shows the kids something they would not normally get to see.”

Smethwick-based Sovereign Brass performed national favourites like Jerusalem and Pomp And Circumstance, while folk outfit The Old Dance School and Roxy Music tribute act Roxy Magic also performed.

Jessica Bushell, aged 23, from Hamstead, arrived draped in an England flag.

The former Aston University politics student said: “I am quite patriotic. There’s a need to take pride in England more, without being accused of racism.”

Her pal, 23-year-old writer Shellyane Bryan, of Stourbridge, said: “I’m enjoying the diversity and unity, and seeing everyone enjoying themselves.”

Ema John, aged 43, from Ladywood, who moved from her native Kosovo eight years ago, said: “It’s very interesting – it’s the real story of England.”

Her friend Anna Lusa, aged 40, also originally from Kosovo, said: “It’s the second time I’ve been to the event. It is a very lovely day.”

Organiser Melvyn Haigh, of the Birmingham St George’s Day Association, said the English were “kind, tolerant, lovely people.”