Chester calls out to St George for protection against a dragon

On Saturday 23rd April, Chester will be celebrating St George’s Day with the welcome return of St George to slay the dragon and save the princess in a street performance with local school children.

There is only one person to save Chester from the threat of a fire breathing dragon!

Artist Russell Kirk will re tell the St George legend with street tournaments starting at 11am in Town Hall Square. Expect a few surprises as the updated story gets its own Chester twist.

Russell’s tale starts by telling the audience:

‘All you good folk of Chester Town
Come close and listen well
I have a tale of blood and gore
And bravery to tell’

‘Of shiny knights with pointy swords
Of damsels fair and sweet
Of kings of old, with lots of gold
And very smelly feet’

Children from local primary schools will join the minstrels, knights and jesters bringing the story to life as it moves around the city in a pageant of colour and sound.

The Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Martyn Delaney will be welcoming St George and helping to judge the tournaments. Said the Lord Mayor: “Whenever we hear about a dragon in Chester, we can rely on our Patron Saint to protect us.

“Local primary schools have made costumes and props for their part in the performance. Please come along and be ready to join in with booing and cheering as the story unfolds.”

The fast-paced performance starts at Chester Town Hall Square at 11am, moving to Eastgate Street for a test of ‘sword’ skills and Bridge Street where the knight’s ‘archery’ skills will be put to the test. The final battle will take place outside the Town Hall.

Local schools taking part are: Hoole Church of England Primary School, Tarvin Primary School and Dee Point Primary School.