St. George’s Day & Shakespeare's Birthday

1. Wrest Park, Bedfordshire

Join in the largest St. George's Day Festival in the country at this grand country estate from 23-25 April. Meet the land girls of Wrest Park in the 1940s zone, encounter some of the earliest invaders as they divert from Ermine Street to the Roman Zone, and cheer on your favourite knights as they compete in death-defying jousting tournaments. Adults £12, children £7.20.

2. Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Where better to celebrate Shakespeare's 447th birthday than in his birthplace? Every year in Stratford-upon-Avon, thousands of people celebrate the day with a parade to the Holy Trinity Church where representatives from all over the world lay flowers at Shakespeare's grave. You can also catch one of The Bard's greatest plays, Macbeth, at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre (performances at 1:15pm and 7:15pm). Tickets from £5.

3. Swindon, Wiltshire

Kicking off at 11am, Swindon will be hosting a giant procession to mark St. George's Day. BBC Wiltshire’s Graham Mack will be the compère, and there will also be live music including bands such as The BiSkitts, The Fixed and Swindon Samba, as well as displays from Majorettes, Air Cadets marching band and traditional morris dancing. Admission free.

4. Blists Hill Victorian Town, Shropshire

This open air museum, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ironbridge Gorge, will be celebrating our patron saint with two open-air performances of St. George and the Dragon each day from 22-25 April. Travelling actors from the Prince Albert Players will perform the ancient legend daily at 12pm and 2.30pm. Adults £14.60, children £9.35.

5. Wallingford, South Oxfordshire

Wallingford's Market Place will be transformed into a giant St. George's Day festival. Sure to be a big hit is the food stalls where local producers will be showing off their best spring treats. There will be a town crier, clog dancing and – for the kids – a Punch and Judy show, fairground ride and face painting.

6. London

Crowds from far and wide gather at the capital's iconic Trafalgar Square, where St. George's Day festivities include free entertainment with live bands, plenty of food stalls and street actors all putting on a very English display. Afterwards, mark Shakespeare's birthday by catching the 7:30pm performance of his iconic play Hamlet at The Globe theatre. Tickets from £15.

7. Skipton, North Yorkshire

This charming market town, perched the doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, will be celebrating England's dragon-slaying patron saint with a special St. George's Day parade for the Scouts and Guides. Setting off at 2.30pm, you can follow the procession as it winds its way through the town to Holy Trinity church, where there will be a service at 3pm.

8. Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire

Head to the sprawling grounds of Tamworth Castle and join in a whole host of special St. George's Day events. As well as Children’s Medieval Workshop Zone – with medieval toys and games, medieval pottery making workshop and “have a go” archery – there will be a Grand Medieval Joust, and even a medieval astrologer, falconer and sword swallower. Prices vary.

9. Odiham, Hampshire

Hook Eagle Morris Men and Mummers will be touring the historic town of Odiham to celebrate our patron saint's day. The main dance area will be the ancient Bury, pedestrianised for the day and bounded by the 17th century All Saints Church. Most importantly, there will be a hog roast and beer tent to sustain visitors throughout the day.

10. Birmingham, West Midlands

It's all about music in Birmingham. The St. George's Day action takes place around Victoria Square, where there will be a Sovereign Brass Band, contemporary English folk band, and – the big crowd puller – a Beatles tribute band. You can also expect a farmers market and children's entertainment. The evening continues with an English celebration concert at Symphony Hall from 6pm – tickets from £8.

* All events take place on 23 April, unless stated otherwise.