St George's Celebrations in the City

Sunday, 24 April 2022 01:00

The Market Place is full of activity in the sunshine today for the city's St George's Day celebrations.

The event continues today until 4:00pm.

Organised by Salisbury City Council, the event opened with an announcement from the city's Town Crier and showcases live music from Rachel Delooze and the Tom Clements Duo featured a welcome return of 'The Salisbury Giant'.

Talking to event host Craig Hicks from Salisbury Radio, Mayor of Salisbury Cllr Caroline Corbin said, "This is such a great event, it's super to see people back out and about in the city.

"The Giant hasn't really been seen out and about since the mid-90s and of course this is our first St George's Day event since 2019. I hope everyone has a really lovely time here today".

The Salisbury Giant probably dates from the 15th Century. Sometimes called St Christopher, he was owned by the Tailor's Guild and purchased by Salisbury Museum in 1873 for 30 shillings. Standing at 12ft high, he was attracting lots of attention as he paraded around today's event.

Through the afternoon, visitors can expect to see further performances from Sarum Morris (1:00pm and 3:15pm) who are aiming to dance at forty locations in this, their 40th year of existence. Visitors to the Downton Cuckoo Fair will have a further chance to see the energetic and fun performers on Saturday 30h April. Today they welcomed their youngest new members Dan and Jess.

Craft workshops for younger visitors are in the square, including a shield making and a 'Create, Make and Take Home' workshop.

Lots of food and drink is available from Downtown Brewery, Artisan Wine and Spirits and the Wiltshire Liqueur Company.

Tea-totallers can make use of the new 'Cooks Coffee and More' mobile unit as well as the award-winning alcohol-free beer company Divine Brewing.

The Wiltshire Hog Roast and The Fat Gringo Mexican food stalls are also available.

The afternoon's event and activity list includes:

12:30pm - The George and Dragon Trail
1:00pm - Sarum Morris
1:15pm - Storyteller in the Banqueting Hall
1:30pm - Tom Clements Duo
2:00pm - Live Music on stage from Rachel Delooze
2:45pm - Storyteller in the Banqueting Hall
2:45pm - Tom Clements Duo
3:15pm - Sarum Morris
3.15pm - The George and Dragon Trail
3.30pm - Event closes with Rachel Delooze

Rachel Delooze

Tom Clements Duo

Well, you've got to have a laugh!

More photos from today's event will be shared on @LoveSalisbury on Facebook this evening. Were you there?