As England prepares to celebrate St. George's Day on April 23, 2025, pubs across the country are gearing up for a day of festivities, food, and community spirit. The Victoria pub on Pages Walk, which has hosted this annual celebration for over 30 years, will kick off the festivities at noon with a selection of classic tunes, followed by a free buffet starting at 5 PM. This year, the event carries an emotional weight as it marks the first St. George's Day celebration without Mike McKenna, co-owner of the pub, who passed away last August. His brother, Pat McKenna, who has run the pub for 41 years, reflected on the significance of the day, stating, "Mike was instrumental in creating our St. George's Day parties; a massive part of the day will be missing, and we will raise a glass in his memory." Colin Jackson, a friend of the family, is donating fifty red roses for attendees to wear, symbolizing the day.
Meanwhile, the Good Intent Pub in Walworth will also be hosting a lively St. George's Day gathering, offering free bangers and mash as well as beef mince and mash from 5 PM onwards. The celebration will feature music and culminate in karaoke, allowing guests to join in the fun with hits from iconic English artists like Lily Allen, Adele, and Elton John. For those seeking a more traditional observance, St. George’s Cathedral will hold a solemn sung mass at 6 PM on Monday, April 28, 2025.
In Andover, The Globe pub is joining in the St. George's Day festivities by offering a free pint of John Smith's to selected customers. This initiative is part of a campaign involving seven community pubs in the South East, encouraging patrons to log onto the pub's WiFi for a chance to receive a complimentary pint voucher. Mark Brooke, managing director of Proper Pubs, emphasized the importance of community during this celebration, stating, "St George’s Day is a brilliant opportunity to bring people together and celebrate all that’s great about communities across England."
On the political front, Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, hosted a reception at Downing Street on April 22, 2025, to celebrate St. George's Day. The event featured notable guests such as actor Ross Kemp, comedian Rob Beckett, and sporting figures Sarah Storey and Maro Itoje. Attendees enjoyed traditional English fare, including pork pies and Lancashire Eccles cakes, as Starmer praised the significance of "modern patriotism" and the value of English culture. However, his efforts to connect with English identity were met with criticism from Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, who accused Starmer of lacking genuine appreciation for Englishness.
Farage's comments came amid a backdrop of rising support for his party, which is now challenging Labour in traditionally strong areas. He remarked, "He is panicking. He and his north London friends loathe Englishness but are losing support to Reform." As local elections approach, the competition between Labour and Reform UK intensifies, with both parties vying for the support of voters in the Red Wall regions.
Starmer's reception also touched on recent civil unrest, particularly the Southport riots that occurred last summer, which he described as a pivotal moment in understanding English identity. He stated, "It was the aftermath of the riots that showed what it means to be English. It marked the coming together of a country." The Prime Minister emphasized the need to reclaim the St. George's Cross as a symbol of pride and unity, asserting that it represents the values of the nation.
In a related commentary, The Sun urged its readers to embrace their English identity and celebrate St. George's Day with pride. The publication echoed the Prime Minister's call to reclaim the national flag from extremist groups, asserting that patriotism should not be conflated with nationalism or hate. The article highlighted the cultural contributions of England, from its language and scientific achievements to its sporting heritage, encouraging readers to celebrate the values that unite them.
As communities across England prepare for St. George's Day, the celebrations reflect a blend of cultural pride and community spirit. The pubs and events are not just about the festivities but also serve as reminders of the shared values and history that define English identity. From the heartfelt tributes at the Victoria pub to the lively atmosphere at The Globe, these gatherings are set to foster connections among locals and celebrate what it means to be English.
As the day approaches, it is clear that St. George's Day will be a significant occasion for many, blending remembrance, celebration, and a renewed sense of community. Whether through traditional observances at the cathedral or lively pub gatherings, the spirit of St. George's Day promises to resonate throughout the country, encouraging all to take pride in their heritage and come together in unity.
