St George’s Day celebrations to take over Old Market Square

St George’s Day is set to be the biggest yet as a raft of free events have been confirmed for the special occasion.

When is it taking place?

On Saturday, April 23, Old Market Square will be taken over with everything from knights in armour to traditional crafts, celebrating the English saint.

What entertainment will be on offer?

The entertainment will kick off at 10.30am, with storyteller Amanda Smith regaling the crowds with St George’s tale, as well as helping make dragon puppets or swords in the craft area.

Read more: Thousands parade through Nottingham in St George’s Day celebrations

The Household Medieval Re-enactment Society will also be in the square showing off their skills with two combat displays – 10.50am and 3.05pm – as well as giving talks on their weapons and armour.

When is the parade taking place?

The annual parade, led by the Radford Branch of the Royal Society of St George, will be back, arriving into the Square at 12.30pm.

Phil Hardwood, secretary of the branch, said the group is ramping up its preparations with just a few weeks to go.

“It is going to be bigger than ever as with it being a Saturday, less people have to worry about getting the time off work,” he said.

“There is going to be our youngest member at just 10 carrying the colours, the knights of Nottingham on their horses and of course Robin Hood in the parade.”

Phil added: “It is an expensive thing to put on, with it costing £8,000 just to host the parade between the Forest Rec and the square, but it will be a great day.”

Music will also be a big part of the day and the parade. The Keith Kendrick Band, the Dovetail Trio, and the Carlton Brass Band will be entertaining the crowds, along with performances from Mortimer’s Morris dancers.

Read more: Nottingham gears up to celebrate English pride

Sarah Rydel, secretary of the Carlton Brass Band is looking forward to playing to the crowds.

“It will be a show of two halves,” she said. “First up will be songs from stage and screen, including hits like Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Memory. Then the second half will be more like the proms for a big finale.

“We are really looking forward to it as we love getting everyone together to enjoy themselves. It will be very patriotic!”

Councillor Dave Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure and culture at Nottingham City Council, added: “Nottingham hosts one of the biggest St George’s day celebrations in England, and since 23 April falls on a Saturday, we’re making the event even better this year.

“We’re proud to be putting on a great free day out in Nottingham for everyone this St George’s Day. With such a variety of free activities, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.”

What is the timetable for the day?

10.30 – 10.50am: Mini play – A Tale of Robin Hood

10.50 – 11.10am: Combat displays by knights from The Household Medieval Re-enactment Society

11.30am – 12.30pm: Traditional English Folk music with the Keith Kendrick Band and Mortimer’s Morris dancers

12.30 – 1pm: Radford Branch Royal Society of St George Parade arrives, including St George on horseback

1 – 2pm: Traditional English Folk Music with the Dovetail Trio and Mortimer’s Morris dancers

2pm – 2.45pm: Brass Band concert with Carlton Brass Band

2.45 – 3.05pm: Mini play – A Tale of Robin Hood

3.05 – 3.25pm: Combat displays by knights from The Household Medieval Re-enactment Society

3.45 – 4.30pm: Brass Band concert with Carlton Brass Band

What else is happening on the day?

It won’t just be St George being recognised on the big, with another English heritage icon getting a special mention.

April 23 will also mark 400 years to the day of the death of William Shakespeare, and Nottingham Central Library will be hosting an event between 11am and 2pm to celebrate the Bard’s life and works.

Visitors will be able to dress in historical costume, watch clips of the best Shakespearean actors and meet the man himself as he tells tales of the past.