Two thirds of pubs make plans for St George's Day

More than two thirds of pubs are planning to celebrate St George's Day on April 23.

Licensees are responding to the call from former home secretary David Blunkett with barbecues, fancy dress competitions and even a car park re-enactment of St George slaying the dragon.

A poll of just under 200 licensees on thePublican.com showed that 68 per cent were planning to capitalise on the day, which this year falls on a Saturday.

Last month David Blunkett called on the country to "stop being apologetic about our history" and make the most of St George's Day. Shani Rogers of the Beacon in Basingstoke, Hampshire, is waiting to hear if she is to be granted a one-hour extension on her licence for the day.

She said: "Our sales trebled on St George's Day last year. This year we are running our own re-enactment of St George slaying the dragon in our car park. Our locals are going to be hiding inside the dragon!"

Other events at the pub will include a church service and a hog roast.

Alison Welsh, of the Nightingale in Bicester, Oxfordshire, is running a series of medieval-themed events.

"We've got a fancy dress competition, a barbecue, and a disco planned," said Alison. "We are expecting sales to boom. Everyone's said 'thank God you're doing something for St George as well as St Patrick!'"

Another pub, the Castle, in Harrow, North London, is running a carve your own roast lunchtime session.

Brewers, including Marston's and Yorkshire micro-brewer Wentworth Brewery, are bringing out special beers to commemorate the day.

John Moorhouse, managing director of Wentworth Brewery, said: "There's been a lot of talk in the national media about England trying to reclaim its national identity. We're justifiably proud of our nation and think Wentworth's St George's Day is the perfect way to remember all that is good about our green and pleasant land."

• What are you doing for St George's Day? Let us know on 020 8565 4458, or email us at arjf@gurchoyvpna.pbz​.

Doing it for St George​

St George's Day campaigner Charles Wells is taking its Bombardier ale on TV for one day only on April 23.

Other activity backing the brand, which saw sales increase by 98 per cent during the week of St George's Day in 2004, includes a nationwide poster campaign.

Visit www.thevalueofstgeorge.com for more tips on making the most of the day.