Skip to content

St George's Day parade 'brings community together'

Phil Harrison,in Gravesendand
Vicky Castle,South East
News imagePhil Harrison/BBC A performer dressed as St George waves while holding a St George’s flag during a parade, with another costumed performer beside them and crowds watching from the street behind.Phil Harrison/BBC
Russell Palmer has been taking part in the parade since 2006

A parade to celebrate St George, who "stood for tolerance and integration" has taken place in north Kent.

More than 1,500 young people from 23 schools took part in Thursday's event in what organisers say is England's largest St George's Day parade.

The annual event, organised by Cohesion Plus, is marking its 20th year with celebrations in Gravesend before moving on to Dartford later in the day.

Gurvinder Sandher, artistic director, says the event celebrates "the best of north Kent" and "brings together the whole community".

News imagePhil Harrison/BBC A man dressed as St George and a large mechanical dragon head through crowds down a high street Phil Harrison/BBC
A large metal dragon and "St George" were the focal point of the parade

St George's Day, held on 23 April, honours England's patron saint and is often marked by events celebrating English culture and community.

Festivities began in Gravesend at 09:45 BST, with performances, music and costumed procession drawing large crowds into the town centre.

Russell Palmer, from Hysterical History, who has portrayed St George in the parade since 2006, said: "Predominantly this parade is for the children. The children are the ones that are buzzing."

He added: "It is so bad today - it's going to be 6 miles with 35 kg of armour - you know the marathons - this is a real test of courage."

News imagePhil Harrison/BBC Four men in red dress and white trousers carry musical instruments including drums and a trumpet Phil Harrison/BBC
Drummers from the Birmingham Live Experience also took part in the parade

Clare Clarke, a parent of one of the children taking part, said they had been making stuff at school for the past couple of weeks.

She said: "This is my first time doing it so I'm not sure what to expect, but I'm looking forward to seeing them coming around.

"It will be good fun."

News imagePhil Harrison/BBC A woman in a red jacket and red stripey top stands in front of a statue Phil Harrison/BBC
Deborah Croxton, from Gravesham Borough Council, said it was a "great opportunity to bring together people"

Deborah Croxton, Gravesham Borough Council's portfolio holder for community and leisure, said the parade was "a great opportunity to bring together people from different backgrounds and faiths to celebrate St George".

Dot Masters, a retired teaching assistant who has worked at Cecil Road Primary School for 32 years, said the children were waving flags and all "very excited to be here".

She said: "We do this every year in Gravesend, it's very popular.

"All the schools like to get involved. It's an amazing event."

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.