St George's Day Family Activities
Date: Sat, 20th Apr 2024, 12:00 - 17:00
Venue: Leicester's Old Town
Celebrate St George's Day with the annual free family festival in venues across Leicester's Old Town.
On Saturday 20 April, celebrate the day of history and heritage with family friendly activities and entertainment. New for this year the festival is relocating to Leicester's Old Town, bringing exciting new additions and themes to the event including traditional activities, storytelling, theatrical fun, living history, tours and trails. Also new for 2024 is a modern-day Medieval Market and for the grown-ups an Ale Trail, taking in some of Leicester's most historic pubs.
As the clock strikes 12, Leicester Cathedral's bells will ring to open the celebrations. The chimes mark a day of history and heritage; cross paths with a dragon, hear legends of medieval kings, barter with a merchant from the Middle Ages or find yourself in a folk dance!
Cathedral Events
Grand Opening bell ringing
12 noon–1.00pm
Medieval Market
12 noon–5.00pm
When medieval markets meet the modern day! This reimagining of what we might expect to see from traders in years gone by, showcases 21st century goods from local independent businesses. Artisan foods and drink, arts and crafts, textiles and more. Peruse the stalls in two of Leicester's most iconic historical buildings Leicester Guildhall & Leicester Cathedral.
Ale Trail
Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 April
Follow the Ale Trail to visit some of Leicester's most historic pubs and bars, each marking St George's Day weekend with a special offer. Pick up a deal and delve into the past of each location.
The Saints of Leicester Cathedral: St George's Day Trail
12 noon–5.00pm
Follow a trail around Leicester Cathedral. Discover the stories of St George and the other saints by finding their pictures in our windows and statues. Follow the clues and complete our trail to get a small prize at the end.
Guided Tour: Richard III
11.30am–12.10pm, and 2.30pm–3.10pm
Tickets: £3.50 available on the day from Leicester Cathedral. Accompanied children under 16 free. Discover the fascinating story, beautifully crafted tomb, and the magnificent Redemption Windows, before moving on to the Visitor Centre to see the Pall created for the lying-in-repose of Richard III.
Guided Tour: St George and Leicester Cathedral
1.00pm–1.40pm, and 3.30pm–4.10pm
Tickets: £3.50 available on the day from the welcome point inside the Cathedral. Accompanied children under 16 admitted free. Find out more about St George's connection to Leicester Cathedral through the depictions in the building and the history of past traditions and events that took place on St George's Day.
Leicester Morris
1.30pm–1.50pm
Recently celebrating their 70th anniversary, see traditional morris dancing since the group officially opened their membership to all.
All this, plus so many more events happening throughout Leicester's Old Town! See the brochure below, including Maypole dancing, magic shows, Cinema in the Cells, The BookBus, Inferno! The Dragon, Vikings of Middle England, and more!
DOWNLOAD THE ST GEORGE'S FESTIVAL BROCHURE HERE
