Pub of the Moment - St George's Day - 23rd April 2012

On the Coventry Road, Birmingham, is a public house called the Redhill Tavern. It has a relevant inscription carved around the building.

"Saint George he was for England and before he slew the Dragon

He drank a pint of foaming ale from out a British flagon"

(Slightly altered lines from GK Chesterton's "The Englishman")

St GEORGE'S DAY - BIRMINGHAM - 23rd Apr 2011

This year we actually celebrated St George's Day on St George's Day (the 23rd). My first stop was to St Philips Cathedral where several events were scheduled to take place, but nothing was there. Outside the flag of St George flew, or rather flagged, there was no wind - but plenty of sunshine for the whole day.

 Inside the cathedral was a montage explaining the origins of St George. Apart from several other countries, St George is the patron saint of scouting, soldiers, cavalry, chivalry, farmers, riders, saddlers, people living with leprosy, plague and skin disease!

Over to Victoria Square, and that's where it's all happening. Here, the Sovereign Brass Band entertain the crowds with some stirring patriotic music.

Although quiet at this time of the morning, the Purity Ale tent was later extremely busy quenching the thirsts of discerning drinkers in the unseasonally hot weather. More information about Purity Ales can be found HERE.

Contemporary folk band Suntrap entertained us and kept our feet tapping with many versatile arrangements of folk songs and music. Info, videos and pics HERE.

Trips on the open-top "Big Brum Buz" proved extremely popular today. I went on the inauguration trip last year which was even better (it was free!).

 BBC Radio WM's presenters Jenny Wilkes and Bev Bevan compere the events of the day.

 Back to more traditional entertainment, this time provided by Heage Windmillers Morris.

 The Heage Windmillers again: A display of the traditional knot after a rapper sword dance.

 Drummer Bev Bevan was an original member of The Move, and later he played with the ELO and Black Sabbath. At a ceremony a few days later, his star will be placed in the Broad Street Walk of Stars.

 The Fab Beatles. An incredible tribute band which kept us singing along in a wave of pure nostalgia.

 Crowds enjoying the show and the sunshine.

 A troupe of Mummers present a play with St George and the Dragon, as well as other fearsome adversaries.

 A photo-call by the Mummers.

 This is Absolute Bowie, a David Bowie tribute band. Even more pure nostalgia!!!!

Absolute Bowie egging the audience on to join in...... like we needed any encouragement!

St GEORGE'S DAY - Birmingham 24 Apr 2010

Saturday 24th of April. Both the Birmingham History Forum and Birmingham itself are celebrating St George's day and I want to be at both :(

1st stop, the Stag's Head, Summer lane to meet the Birmingham History Forum members who are enjoying a well organized party with buffet and raffle.

 I leave the Stag's Head for an appointment with the city centre.

 Back into town, and the Jockey Morris Men are performing in the grounds of St Philips Cathedral in the city centre. Various other entertainments are taking place in Victoria and Chamberlain Squares.

 The musicians.

 Audience participation.

 "You WILL join in!"

The dancers pose at the rear of the open-top bus which will take us on it's (free!) inaugural one-hour trip around some of the scenic parts of Birmingham. It is possible to get photographs of buildings normally hidden behind rows of traffic.. if you are sitting on the correct side.. and the sun is not in front of you... and the bus slows down a bit. But seriously, the tour visited some interesting places and was accompanied by an informed commentary. For more information on this tour and themed tours see HERE.

 "Go to work on a leg!"

Conductors-eye view of the top deck. The next six photographs are all taken from the top of the bus.

 A view of the crowds celebrating St George's Day in Victoria Square.

 Warstone Lane cemetery.

 The Lodge at Warstone Lane Cemetery.

 Stratford House, built in 1601.

 The Old Crown, a clear view from the top of the bus.

 The approach along Moat Lane as we return to the city centre.

Meanwhile, back in the city centre, I think George has slain his horse by mistake. Should have gone to Spec-savers!

Happy St George's Day - 23rd April 2010

Hurrah for St George and Olde Englande. I do hope I am not offending the politically-correct brigade (much).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmuU_k4y04w

St George's Day Birmingham - 25th April 2009

Fun, frolics, fighting and capers was the order of the day in Birmingham as thousands of people celebrated St George's Day. A craft and farmer's market in New Street provided an opportunity for visitors to buy unusual gifts and fresh produce.
In Victoria Square the Radio WM roadshow provided a variety of acts. A beer tent and pig-roasts added to the atmosphere. In Chamberlain Square traditional entertainment was provided by various Morris sides including the Jockey Men's Morris, Glorishears, and more. Just see below.
Thes sun shone which made the day just perfect.

Earlsdon Morris Men band and dancers in Chamberlain Square.

Earlsdon Morris provide a floral display.

Fiddlesticks perform a garland dance.

Fiddlesticks dancers exit after one of their performances. The large audience in Chamberlain Square was remarkable considering that just round the corner in Victoria Square....

.... crowds of people were watching the acts on the Radio WM stage.