Thousands joined St George’s celebrations

All images © Simon Kelsey

A record number of visitors took advantage of the sunshine last weekend and flocked to The English Festival for a good old fashioned British day out.

The free event is held each year at Riverside Country Park, Gillingham on the closest Saturday to St George’s Day to celebrate all things quintessentially and quirkily English.

Many thousands of families enjoyed building sandcastles at a specially created seaside, taking part in a Mat Hatter’s Tea Party and meeting St George and his dragon. The park was divided into four themed zones, the Seaside, the Village Square, the English Countryside and Medieval Fun.

Activities included bee keeping, a falconry display, games, face painting and donkey rides. An assortment of colourful characters mingled with the crowds, including bird spotters, duelling lollipop ladies, and of course St George and his pet dragon.
Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services Cllr Howard Doe said: “The festival was a great success. Saturday’s weather was the nicest of the year so far, and more than 14,000 people turned out for the free event. This festival really has captured people’s imaginations and has grown in popularity each year.

“Families were kept entertained by fair ground rides, donkey rides and duelling lollipop ladies, to name just a few, and enjoyed the mouthwatering food and drink on offer from the numerous stalls available on the day.

St George’s Day fun for all the family

Photo Credit & Copyright Simon Kelsey

Where can you build sandcastles, see knights do battle, attend a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and meet St George and his dragon, all in one day?

Thousands of visitors are expected to go along and do just that at this year’s English Festival, which takes place on Saturday 20 April at Riverside Country Park, Gillingham. Held annually on the closest Saturday to St George’s Day, the free family day out celebrates the iconic and ironic traditions of England.