Plans are underway for this year’s Swindon town centre St. George’s Day Festival

By Jamie Hill - 10 March 2017

Community

Swindon town centre to Celebrate England's patron saint next month with an action-packed day full of English fun!

On Sunday 23 April, the whole town centre is set to come alive with the annual St. George’s Day Festival. 

As well as celebrating all things English including the St. George’s Day Parade and free entertainment for all to enjoy, you will also see the Best of Swindon Talent Competition in its second-year return to Wharf Green.  

The event is being organised by inSwindon BID Company and will officially open at Wharf Green from 11.00am. Visitors will be welcomed by the festival host, the ‘Mischievous Court Jester’. This cheeky chappy will entertain the crowds with his traditional children’s games, balloon modelling fun, prizes and will have everyone in stitches. The little one’s will also get the opportunity to have their face painted for free.

To add to the celebrations, local musicians and singers will perform ‘LIVE’ on the main stage throughout the day.

Visitors will also get to meet St. George and his famous dragon, help rescue a damsel in distress and be greeted with amazing juggling medieval knights on stilts.

A special free Arts & Crafts Zone will be located at Central Library from 11.00am – 12:15pm, where children can make their very own knight shields for the Parade. 

St. George will also lead a Parade through the town centre from 12:30pm, meeting outside at the Cenotaph (Town Hall). The procession will continue down to Regent Street, Canal Walk and finish at Wharf Green. inSwindon BID are inviting Schools, Community Groups, families and those who simply love to have some fun! You can wear fancy dress and bring along your England flags to celebrate. 

It’s back! The ‘BEST’ of Swindon Talent Competition 2017.

Once again inSwindon BID is on the hunt to find the best talent Swindon has got to offer. They are inviting all dancers, singers, actors, illusionists, comedians, bands, contortionists, musicians and even jugglers to submit and showcase their skills for the annual talent competition, where 8 finalists will battle it out on the main stage in front of our panel of judges and the audience.  

Last year, Phoebe Maddison was crowned the winner with her stunning rendition of Whitney Houston's ‘I Will Always Love You’. Phoebe is also set to return for a special performance to open the competition this year.

The winner of the competition will be chosen on the day by the talent spotting judges and will receive a fantastic prize – the chance to perform at this year’s Swindon Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch On – attended by over 10,000 people. Plus, you could WIN £250 worth of shopping vouchers to spend in the town centre. 

Di Powell, inSwindon BID Manager, said: “Last year, the St. Georges Day event was a resounding success! The sun was shining, the town centre was buzzing as everyone got into the full British spirit.” 

“The town centre retailers will have number of ‘Best of British’ promotions on offer. Plus, find the ‘Knights Shield Competition’ is sure to be a hit with families – full details are available on our website”

“We are so excited that the ‘Best of Swindon Talent Competition’ is back! Last year’s winner Phoebe was incredible and we can’t wait for her to open the competition for 2017. This is an ideal opportunity for the people of Swindon to showcase their talents. This competition has seen contestants go on to national competitions”.

So fly the flag for St. George and enjoy a whole host of ‘LIVE’ music, parades, free children’s activities and lots more in the town centre.

This year’s event is sponsored by the Swindon Wyvern Theatre. 

To enter the talent competition and for more information about the St. George’s Festival, visit www.swindontowncentre.co.uk, telephone 01793 485523 or e-mail [email protected]

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