St Georges day (April 23rd 2011)

On St George’s Day, Friday, 23rd April, Burgess David Eastwood, The Bell Ringer of the Court Leet will process from Rackhams to Altrincham Town Hall at 10.45am. The Rev. Hepworth will then conduct a short service to mark the occasion. Youngsters from Juice Nursery and Oldfield Brow, Brooklands and Clover Lea Primary Schools will perform and the Mayor will raise the English Flag which is the cross of St George. The regular Friday market will also be open along with some additional stalls from the Farmers Market.

Market Street will be closed to traffic between 10.30am and midday on Friday 23rd.

On Saturday 24th the market will come to life with all things traditionally English. Morris dancers will start the celebrations with a dance off between seven troops from across the North West at the market and around the town from 10am to 12pm. The Court Leet, in their traditional ceremonial costume, will lead a St George’s parade from the Bricklayers Arms on George Street at 11.45am up Shaws Road to Altrincham Market to officially open the programme of activities for the day. These include themed songs, music and dance from Altrincham Primary Schools and Plain Truth Music, a local music group. There will also be Mummers plays performed with traditional costumes and a real life St George and the Dragon will also make an appearance.

There will also be the chance to sample and buy an array of British beers and great British culinary delights at the Belgian Bar.