Town set to celebrate St Georges Day

Published Wednesday, 10 April 2024
Children in the St George's Day scout parade

Final preparations are now underway to celebrate St George's Day with a special programme of traditional entertainment in Hinckley town centre.

The bunting is already decorating the town centre, creating a festive atmosphere in preparation for the event that takes place between 10am and 2pm on Saturday 20 April 2024.

The event in Market Place offers plenty of free entertainment and activities for the whole family including Tom the Tale Teller (10am, 11am, 12 noon performances), Morris dancing (10.30am and 11.30am), St George on stilts, an armour experience, learn about armour and try on, face painting and craft making provided by the United Reform Church.

In Argents Mead, the Red River Theatre will be performing on Friday 19 at 1.30pm and Saturday 20 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm, ‘Sitting Pretty’ about John Boultbee Brook who invented the first sprung saddle for a bicycle, another significant figure to have been part of Hinckley’s history and buried in Ashby Road Cemetery. The play celebrates the freedom and romance the ‘Brooks saddle’ offers. 

Also running from 10am to 1pm children can collect a free English Flower Trail sheet with the map and clues leading you around the town centre to find the names of eight English flowers from pictures in shop windows. Completed trails can be returned to the council’s information stand in Market Place in exchange for a small treat. 

As in previous years the Hinckley District Scouting Association will also be parading through the town with representatives and flags from groups across the borough. The parade will leave St Mary’s school at 1.15pm turning from Station Road into Castle Street, New Buildings, Leicester Road and into St Peter’s RC Church. Motorists are warned there will be some temporary rolling road closures in these areas to enable the parade to pass safely.

Events Co-ordinator for the Borough Council, Cat Stilling said:

This is a hugely popular event and offers something for all ages to experience while enjoying the town’s shops and bustling market stalls. This year visitors will also be able to meet Snappy the Dragon throughout the day and youngsters will have the opportunity to dress up as a knight and pose for a photo. There is lots going on, we look forward to seeing you.