SAINT George’s Day is a day of celebration across England, as people celebrate the history of the country.
Last year saw a change in proceedings for St George’s Day but it is back to normal in 2026.
St George’s Day is a big celebration for the whole of England Credit: Getty Images
The Story of St George
The real was a Roman soldier born in the 3rd century AD.
He was executed for refusing to renounce his Christian faith, making him a martyr which led to him being known as a saint.
as its patron saint in the 14th century during the reign of King Edward III.
Morris dancing is part of the St George’s Day celebrations Credit: Getty Images
His virtues of courage, honour, and chivalry resonated with medieval .
The most famous story about him follows his heroic rescue of a princess from a terrifying dragon.
St George is now also the patron saint of Ethiopia, Georgia, and Portugal, and cities such as Freiburg, Moscow and Beirut.
The St George’s Flag
The St George’s Flag has been associated with England since the Middle Ages.
It was originally used by English soldiers during the Crusades and later became part of the Union Jack, along with Scotland and Northern Ireland’s flags.
The St George’s flag is one design on the Union Jack Credit: Getty
The St George’s Flag is a simple design consisting of a red cross on a white background.
The red cross is representative of St George’s cross, and the white background symbolises peace.
Red was chosen as the colour of the iconic cross in order to represent bravery and strength.
St George’s Day Traditions in the UK
St George’s Day is one of the biggest celebrations in the UK, with schools and churches across the country joining in the fun.
Traditional activities include parades, church services, and flag-waving ceremonies.
St George’s Day is a communal event which churches and schools across the UK embrace Credit: John McLellan
Morris dancing and are especially popular, as much of the day focuses on celebrating England’s long history.
St George’s Day in 2026
Returning to normal, St George’s Day will be on Thursday, April 23.
Last year, it had to be moved because Easter Sunday was on April 20, 2025 and no saint’s day can take place a week before or after Easter.
It is tradition for the Prime Minister to make a speech for St George’s day.
In 2025, Keir Starmer made a stirring speech.
He said: “Yet now – we can see people trying to sow division in our communities.
“People taking the red and white of our flag with them as they throw bricks at businesses.
“That is what happened last year – in the riots.
“And we must fight it.
“Because it was the aftermath of the riots that showed what it means to be English.
“It marked the coming together of a country.
The day is often marked by a speech from the sitting Prime Minister Credit: PA Media
“People who got together the morning after, all across Britain.
“With shovels, brooms, and brushes, to clean up their communities.
“Rebuilding walls, repairing damage.
“It’s in that spirit that we reclaim our flag for our country.
“For English decency, honour and fairness.
“Wrench it out of the hands of those who want to divide this nation.
“And reclaim it for good.”
St George’s Day has been recognised as a national holiday in England since the early 15th century, though it is .
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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