Crowds flock to Derby to enjoy city’s St George’s Day celebrations
Published: 24 April 2023
The dragon and community musicians arrive at Derby's Market Place
The legend of St George was brought to life on the streets of Derby at the weekend. Hundreds of people enjoyed the free St George’s Day celebrations held in the city centre.
The event on Saturday 22 April featured a feast of entertainment in the Market Place and surrounding streets, with performances and activities for all the family.
Derby’s own St George’s Day community musicians led a merry band of dancers to the Market Place, along with St George and his dragon. The Lost Boys then took to the stage in front of a great crowd to perform their tongue-in-cheek take on the myth of England’s patron saint, with the help of some audience members!
Families had the chance to try their hand at long bow archery and sword fighting in the Market Place before medieval re-enactors Team Falchion rounded off the celebrations with a tourney and melee.
The event was produced by Derby LIVE in conjunction with The Lost Boys, FOLK3D and St Peters Quarter BID.
Derby LIVE manager Robbie Kerr said:
We were delighted to see so many people turn out for Derby’s St George’s Day celebrations. The weather was kind and citizens of all ages enjoyed all the entertainment and activities on offer.
Some of the most popular attractions with families were the long bow archery and the knight training. Children loved posing for photos with our ‘dancing dragon’.
It was fantastic to see so many people joining in with the community Ceilidh and maypole dancing. Lots of fun was had by all.
Families enjoy the festivities on the Market Place
Morris and clog dancers brought their ancient traditions to other parts of the city centre, with music and dance in St Peters Cross, The Ram and Sadlergate, supported by St Peters Quarter BID.
Dancers performing on the day included Derby’s very own local team of Appalachian dancers, Restless Soles, plus Cotswold Morris side Pecsaetan, Staffordshire-based Ryknild Rabble Morris and Stone Monkey Sword from Long Eaton.
Brad Worley, Business Improvement District (BID) Manager for St Peters Quarter BID, said:
Building on the success of last year’s event, this year saw the St George’s Day celebrations in St Peters Quarter reach new heights of activity and attendance, with superb crowds enjoying a host of dancing acts at St Peters Cross, sponsored by St Peters Quarter BID.
The whole city centre was bustling with events, and it was so rewarding to see so many people taking advantage of this free event. We would like to thank Derby LIVE, and everyone who came along to help us celebrate the day, and we are grateful for all the support from the host of talented performers, too!