25 - St George is saddled up for celebration

 

Knights in shining armour, a dragon and a host of entertainment have been drafted in for the special event in Vicar Street Gardens.

 

 

“We’re hoping for good weather because this promises to be one of the best St George’s celebrations we have had.

 

“We have lots going on and we hope to see as many people as possible joining in the fun.”

 

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 annual festivities.

 

Comedy duo Brum and Dudley will be wowing the crowds with their juggling, and acrobatic skills.

 

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.

 

The Harvington household and the Guild of St Edmund historical re-enactment groups will be displaying shining armour of 15th century knights and weaponry from the age of Queen Elizabeth.

 

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.

 

Dormston School pupils have made 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.

 

Dancers will also be hot-footing it to the Dormston centre, Mill Bank, for a special tea dance from 1.30pm.

 

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.

 

People are being reminded that 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. The event runs from 11am-3pm.