St George’s Day festivities return after two years of restrictions

Tamworth’s Castle Grounds were packed with excited visitors on Saturday, April 23, for an amazing St George’s Day event, after being absent for two years’ due to the pandemic.

Soaring numbers came on a windy, but lovely dry day, as estimated crowds of over 10,000 people enjoyed the medieval-themed fun and festivities on offer.

Families enjoyed free festival highlights at the extravaganza which included all the event favourites such as jousting, falconry displays, a living history camp, stalls, fairground rides and children’s activities.

Crowds were delighted to meet St George and the amazing new dragon for 2022. Soaring at 3.5 m long and 2.3 m high, the dragon entertained children and adults with his roaring, tail swinging and eye movements; enthralling the crowd as he roamed around the Castle Grounds.

The popular Grand Medieval Joust also made a spectacular return. Audiences watched in awe as the action unfolded as competing knights on horseback took to the main arena to show off their jousting skills. Throughout the day knights demonstrated the variety of weapons and combat methods used during medieval skirmishes.

Other activities on offer included fairground rides, Tamworth Castle ‘dragon charming’ sessions, a dedicated Children’s Zone organised this year organised by Hamsterzorb who supplied a land zorb and football dartboard; plus more than 26 stalls offering food, refreshments and a selection of gift items, organised by Mark Kyte from the Tamworth Lions.

Visitors took to social media throughout the day and afterwards to share their pictures and praise for the event:

Emma Victoria said: “Thank you it was brilliant.”

Karen Pegg said: “We had a fabulous day. Thank you to all involved.”

Clare Louise said:” Excellent day. Definitely going again next year.”

Joshua Harrison commented: “It was excellent I loved being back here again it’s good to see the crowds back in full again after couple of hard years, I always come here every year.”

The free annual St George’s Day festival is one of the highlights of Tamworth’s impressive calendar of outdoor events organised by Tamworth Borough Council’s Arts & Events team.

Andrew Barratt, Tamworth Borough Council’s Chief Executive, said: “We were delighted to be able to bring back the long-awaited St George’s Day festival, which has proved to still be one of our most popular events.

“The Arts & Events team work hard to ensure it continues to live up to and even exceed expectations each year. It was great to see so many people enjoying the activities and entertainment on offer in the lovely dry weather.

“A big thank you to Mark Kyte from the Tamworth Lions, who organised more than 26 stalls offering food, refreshments and a selection of gift items; and to everyone who took part and supported the event.

“The large attendance figure is great news and will hopefully help to draw more visitors to Tamworth town centre in the future.

“Our next big outdoor event in the Castle Grounds will take place this summer with the Here and Now, The Very Best of the 80s tour set to take over the grounds with a huge party in the park concert. Certainly something not to be missed!”

Tamworth Borough Council’s Arts and Events team are excited to announce a whole host of music stars from the 1980s will be performing at the Here and Now tour, including singing sensations Belinda Carlisle, Howard Jones, Tom Bailey of The Thompson Twins, Boney M, The Fizz, Toyah and Katrina of The Waves.

The live music festival will take place on August 13, call Ticketmaster on 0844 847 1726 or book tickets online: www.Ticketmaster.co.uk/here-and-now-festival.