6 things you didn’t know about St George’s Day and where to celebrate in Liverpool

This Sunday, 23rd April is St George’s Day, England’s national celebration of it’s patron saint since the 1200’s and we’ve got all the info on how to celebrate our favourite Knight in shining armour.

Liverpool is teaming with George references, whether it be the colossal St George’s Hall, the George’s Quarter it resides in, the stunningly beautiful Georgian Terraces around Hope Street or even our very own George Harrison. Whether you’re super patriotic, or not, we think this Sunday is the perfect time to explore the city and give a little nod to the dragon-slaying-legend that is St George.

Check out what Knightly-going’s on are happening for all the family this weekend.

Big History Festival – St George’s Quarter

There’s tonnes of activities planned across the Georgian Quarter as Big History Festival gets underway. From knightly craft sessions for the kids at The Walker Art Gallery to ghost tours, animation from LJMU and brand new exhibits at the World Museum and drop in sessions at Central Library. Discover this beautiful part of our city all over again and learn something new.  Watch the video above for all the details and click here for more.

St George’s Hall – LoveHistory present Trial by Jury

This brand new LoveHistory experience takes interactive theatre to a new level. If you ever fancied yourself in a court room drama, then this is the event for you. Get right into the thick of the action as jury members debate the fate of the accused in a thrilling drama, played out before your very eyes. Will you back the young, determined lawyer and his heartfelt plea to swing a guilty verdict? Click here to find out more and book your seat in the court room.

George Harrison: The Story of The Beatles and Indian Music – Liverpool Philharmonic

Why not celebrate another famous George and pre-book your tickets to George Harrison: The Story of The Beatles and Indian Music at the Liverpool Philharmonic on 9th June? This concert has many surprises, including an instrument played on Sgt. Pepper, as well as rare images and new stories from the recording session, from George’s encounter with Indian music and with Ravi Shankar. Prepare to discover a whole new picture of the ‘quiet’ Beatle! Get your tickets here.

Celebrate St George……at The George, Crosby

Once you’re done exploring our city’s Georgian roots, listened to a bit of George Harrison and created a knightly sword and shield at the museum (to ward off any dragons) you could finish off your St George’s Day 2017 with a pint of English ale……in none other than The George Pub! We found two across the region, one in Crosby and one in Southport. Go forth and seek out refreshment!

Hopefully we’ve inspired you to celebrate our patron saint across the city this St George’s Day, but if you’re still a bit clueless, here’s 6 things you probably didn’t know about St George.

1 – St George was born in Eastern Turkey, A.D 270 and fighting valiantly for his beliefs is what made him the legend he is today. He’d have been a great scouser, bolshy and proud!

2 – It wasn’t until 1222 that the Council of Oxford declared April 23rd to be St George’s Day.

3 – Most people associate St George with the tale of George and the Dragon. Did you know the story is set in Libya and involved a fair maiden called Cleolinda?

4 – St George did a stint as a Roman Soldier but despite a much celebrated career, he rebelled against the pagan leader and faced torture and eventually beheading. Eeek!

5 – Traditional customs on St George’s Day include flying the St George’s flag and wearing a red rose in your lapel.

6 – In 1415, St George’s Day was declared a national feast day. Did someone say Sunday Roast? Yeah go on then.

As if we needed any further excuse to toast our national heritage, April 23rd is also the date of English playwright, William Shakespeare’s death, marked by UNESCO by declaring it the International Day of the Book. Pub, good book, pint. Sounds like an awesome Sunday afternoon to us!

If you’re celebrating St George’s Day…..we want to know how! Whether you’re hosting an event, dressing up as a Knight, or simply raising a pint in your local, tweet us your pics @TheGuideLpool or email us info@theguideliverpool.com and we’ll share the best on our socials.