11 - Tea dance places are tan-going quickly

 

Dancers are being invited to enjoy an afternoon of rich tea and quick-stepping as part of the event to mark England’s patron saint on April 26.

 

Numbers are limited and people are being urged to book places at the Dormston Centre, Mill Bank, Sedgley, from 1.30pm to avoid disappointment.

 

It is part of a packed programme of activities including singing, dancing, historic battle re-enactments and displays in Vicar Street Gardens from 11am-3pm.

 

 

“There are still some places left, but spaces are limited so if anyone would like to take part they need to let us know as soon as possible.”

 

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.

 

There will be suits of armour and weapons from through the ages also on display with Beauforts Household historical re-enactment group.

 

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.

 

The tea dance is free to attend and includes afternoon tea, but places are limited. To book a place call 01384 815 201.