16 - Fun day and knights in Sedgley to mark St George

 

The Harvington Household and the Guild of St Edmund historical re-enactment groups will be entertaining the crowds at the annual celebration of England’s patron saint on April 26.

 

The displays will include a chance to take a close-up look at the shining armour of 15^th century knights. Also on display will be arms and armour from the age of queen Elizabeth and equipment from the English civil war.

 

It will add to the packed programme of events at the Vicar Street Gardens from 11am-3pm.

 

 

“The day promises to be fun-packed family entertainment and we hope to see people from all communities joining together to enjoy themselves.”

 

Other entertainment on the day includes history displays at All Saints and St Andrew’s churches – looking back at Sedgley’s past and the truth about the legend of St George.

 

There will also be a town crier and a 10ft tall knight helping with the festivities.

 

Comedy duo Brum and Dudley will be juggling, showing off their acrobatic skills and cracking gags to the hundreds of children and families.

 

Singer Maggie O’Hara will be leading a sing-along with the crowds, which will include classics such as Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory.

 

War re-enactment specialists Drudian will be staging realistic mock battles between armour-clad knights armed with swords and shields.

 

Sedgley Community Association is providing refreshments in the community centre off Ladies Walk.

 

A range of events will also be held at Sedgley Library, Ladies Walk, including a colouring competition, quiz, baby and toddler rhyme session and poetry.

 

The Black Country Museum will also be bringing along a mobile parlour, where staff will be on hand to talk about how people lived years ago. Sedgley Morris Men will also be performing.

 

Sedgley school children have been involved in the preparation for the event. Dormston School pupils are making a giant dragon and pupils from Alder Coppice and Queen Victoria schools will be singing and dancing. Cotwall End and St Chad’s schools will also be part of the entertainment.

 

St George on horseback will lead the annual parade through the streets of the town. They will be joined by ex-servicemen and women, scouts, civic dignitaries and other members of the community. The parade will begin in Mill Bank before moving along High Street, Dudley Street, Vicar Street, The Priory and ending in Vicar Street Gardens.

 

A number of roads will be closed during the march including Mill Bank, Dudley Street, Gospel End Street and High Street.

 

The Mayor of Dudley will get the festivities underway with a red and white balloon launch.