Finally this nation gets to celebrate its patron Saint, Saint George the Martyr, following continued pressure from patriots in England to follow the example of the Irish, Polish, Kurds who all have been granted the chance to celebrate in central London.
In a statement issued this morning Mayor Johnson will celebrate St George's Day with a programme of free events and he will fly the English Flag outside City Hall on April 23.
The Mayor is expected to join the Leadenhall Market St George’s Day celebrations with fine English food and drink. The Mayor has also announced plans for a major concert in Trafalgar Square on Saturday 25th April and a Shakespeare celebration at the Globe theatre on Sunday 19 April.
The Mayor said: 'St George’s Day has been ignored in London for far too long, but I’m truly pleased to announce some fantastic events to mark this occasion. We have much to be proud of in this great country, England has given so much to the world, politically, socially and artistically. St George’s Day is a time to celebrate the very best of everything English and the Cross of St George will proudly fly outside City Hall on 23rd April. I look forward to hopping on a Routemaster and visiting Leadenhall Market for traditional English festivities. I encourage everyone to join in the fun and celebrate England’s great Patron Saint.”
The Trafalgar Square concert 'Contemporary Music, English Roots' takes place on Saturday 25 April from 12.30pm to 6pm and is a unique opportunity to hear some of the finest folk inspired music coming out of England today.
It features acclaimed musicians Seth Lakeman, Eliza Carthy, Jim Moray, Kathryn Tickell and Bishi, artists who are reaching new audiences and finding innovative ways to express music that is inspired by English folk tradition.
Award-winning Seth Lakeman draws on a wide range of influences and, like dazzling singer and violinist Eliza Carthy, has attracted a mainstream audience. Jim Moray has recently collaborated with rapper Bubbz and has reworked music by XTC, whilst Kathryn Tickell has been awarded for music deeply connected to Northumbria. Bishi meanwhile has been grabbing attention for music that draws on her musical loves from folk to electro.
In addition to the Trafalgar Square concert, there is a celebration at Shakespeare's Globe to mark the 400th anniversary of the publication of Shakespeare's sonnets. This free family event takes place on Sunday 19 April, from midday to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm). There will be sonneteers, plus interactive games and activities to unlock the timeless beauty of Shakespeare's verse and language.
History of St George the Martyr
St George the Martyr is a Saint venerated by the Orthodox church George, this truly great and glorious Martyr of Christ, was born of a father from Cappadocia and a mother from Palestine. Being a military tribune, or chiliarch (that is, a commander of a thousand troops), he was illustrious in battle and highly honoured for his courage. When he learned that the Emperor Diocletian was preparing a persecution of the Christians, Saint George presented himself publicly before the Emperor and denounced him. When threats and promises could not move him from his steadfast confession, he was put to unheard-of tortures, which he endured with great bravery, overcoming them by his faith and love towards Christ. By the wondrous signs that took place in his contest, he guided many to the knowledge of the truth, including Queen Alexandra, wife of Diocletian, and was finally beheaded in 296 in Nicomedia.
His sacred remains were taken by his servant from Nicomedia to Palestine, to a town called Lydda, the homeland of his mother, and then were finally transferred to the church which was raised up in his name. (The translation of the Saint's holy relics to the church in Lydda is commemorated on November 3; Saint Alexandra the Queen, on April 21.)
About 35,000 public venues in Mexico City were shut down or told to serve only takeout meals as officials tried to contain a deadly swine flu outbreak. Mexican officials said they confirmed 20 deaths from swine flu. And while Mexico seems to be the epicenter of the outbreak, it is by no means the only country affected. At least 113 cases have been confirmed worldwide, including 64 in the U.S.
