The Lord Mayor of Chester calls St. George back to Chester

The Lord Mayor of Chester has called for St. George to defend the city following reports of a fire-breathing dragon approaching Chester.

On Thursday 23th April, St. George’s Day celebrations take to the streets of Chester with a tournament to pick a brave knight to slay the dragon and save the princess in a street performance with local school children. 

The Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Sherin Akhtar, is hosting and funding a roaming street performance starting at 11am in Town Hall Square, and local artist Russell Kirk has been commissioned to help re-tell the St. George legend but with a few Chester specific twists to the tale. Residents and visitors can look forward to a spectacular performance by local school children and performers.

St. George’s Day is an important event in the British calendar, where each year England celebrates its patron St. George. His emblem - a red cross on a white background - is England's flag and forms part of the Union Flag. The St. George’s flag flies proudly from the Town Hall throughout the year and will be flown from flag poles outside Council buildings on 23 April and buildings in Chester will be lit red and white.  

The Lord Mayor of Chester said:

“This year’s St. George’s Day event brings the city’s history to life through a vibrant street‑theatre re‑enactment, perfectly reflecting my civic theme of Pride in Place. By taking the story of St. George onto the streets of Chester and involving local performers and schools, the event celebrates Chester’s rich heritage and the shared traditions that unite our communities. The lively outdoor performance invites residents and visitors alike to connect with the city’s past, take pride in our cultural identity, and enjoy a creative celebration that showcases the spirit and character of Chester.

“We have trainee knights from local primary schools: Upton Heath, Mill View, Grosvenor park and Upton Westlea joining minstrels, and jesters bringing the story to life as it moves around the city in a pageant of colour and sound. I have visited the schools to watch them prepare for the annual street performance on 23 April and learn about St. George.

“I will be riding the civic chariot during the tournament to ensure that it is fair and help to pick the knight worthy of slaying the dragon.”

Russel Kirk added:

“If you thought you knew the St. George legend, think again as we prepare to reveal the ‘nearly true’ story.”

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

Can we rely on our Patron Saint to protect us (if previous attempts are anything to go by, probably not).

‘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’

Pictured - St George and the Dragon in the city centre.