Happy St George's Day!

Happy St George's Day...which also happens to be the anniversary of William Shakespeare's death.

Plymouth's association with the flag of St George and celebrations of England and Englishness are well rooted in history. The day, once a national holiday, was celebrated from the 15th century when it was a hugely important date in the calendar with feasts and festivities held on a grand scale.

Both Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh flew the flag of St. George on their voyages of discovery.

The Mayflower flew the flag in 1620 when the Pilgrim Fathers arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Now Plymouth is leading the way in marking St George's Day with its own revival of public celebrations of the date. On Saturday, Plymouth city centre hosted a day of fun in aid of the Lord Mayor's charity, the Plymouth and District Branch of Parkinson's UK. The event included music, DJs, dancing and family activities with the deputy Lord Mayor resplendent in St George's flag turban and jacket and sat on a horse which had also been draped in red and white.

The event, fast becoming a fixture in the city's social calendar, was organised by deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Chaz Singh and DJ Davy.

So given its unique place in English history, Plymouth may feel especially proud and entitled to celebrate today. Happy St George's Day Plymouth!