As the sun rises on what is traditionally St George's Day, many in England are waking up to a surprise: the annual celebration has been moved this year. Instead of the usual festivities on April 23, the Church of England has transferred the feast day to Monday, April 28, 2025. This change follows established church rules that dictate no saint's day can occur in the week before or after Easter.
St George's Day, usually marked by the hoisting of the St George's flag, is a day steeped in history and tradition. According to the church's note, "When St George's Day or St Mark's Day falls between Palm Sunday and the Second Sunday of Easter inclusive, it is transferred to the Monday after the Second Sunday of Easter." This means that this year, those eager to celebrate the patron saint of England will have to wait an extra five days.
The last time St George's Day was moved was in 2019, when politicians were mocked for mistakenly celebrating it a day early. This year, the Church's announcement has brought a mix of confusion and anticipation among the public.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who hosted a reception at Downing Street on April 22 to mark the occasion, expressed concerns about the far-right claiming ownership of St George's Cross. At the gathering, he emphasized the importance of inclusivity and the diverse representation of England, referencing the stark contrast between his own working-class background and that of his predecessor, Rishi Sunak, who he described as "an English Hindu."
"That for me is something I think we should always be proud of and never take for granted," Sir Keir stated. However, he cautioned that while St George's Day is a time for celebration, it also reflects a "never-ending fight for our flag and what it represents." He recounted his experience witnessing violence during riots sparked by the Southport stabbings, which he attributed to misinformation propagated by far-right groups.
Sir Keir noted, "When I was standing in the old Wembley in 1996, it felt like that whole tournament embodied the best of our country. Yet now, there are people trying to sow division in our communities." He described seeing people throwing bricks at police officers during his visit to the scene of the stabbings, underscoring the need to reclaim the flag from those who would use it to divide the nation.
St George's Day, celebrated not just in England but also by various Christian churches and nations, has a complex history. Named as early as 1222, it became a national feast day in 1415. However, after the union with Scotland in the 18th century, it ceased to be a national holiday. Despite this, it remains a day of pride for many, with celebrations often including Morris dancers, dragons, and knights.
Yet, a recent survey revealed that a quarter of people in England do not know who St George is or why he is honored. Born in eastern Turkey to Christian parents in the third century, St George is famous for slaying a dragon, a story that became popular in the Middle Ages. According to English Heritage, the tale of St George and the dragon symbolizes the battle between good and evil, although the historical accuracy of St George's life is often debated.
This year, festivities will still take place, albeit on a different date. Nottingham will host celebrations at various pubs, including Ye Olde Salutation, which will kick off the day with a disco and raffle at 11 am. The Radford branch of the Royal Society of St George hopes to raise funds to reintroduce an annual parade that had been a staple of the celebrations for 15 years before being scaled back due to rising costs and logistical challenges.
Branch secretary Phil Harwood expressed optimism about the future of the parade, stating, "We appreciate all the support we get. Thanks to the council for putting the flag up. It's a day of positivity - it's about patriotism." Other celebrations are planned at pubs such as the Royal Children and the Rose of England, which is reopening on St George's Day.
Despite the date change, the spirit of St George's Day remains strong. Sir Keir's remarks at the Downing Street reception reflect a broader conversation about national identity and the importance of unity in the face of division. As he noted, the aftermath of the riots illustrated a coming together of communities, with people rallying to clean up and repair their neighborhoods.
St George's Day serves as a reminder of England's rich history and diverse culture, encouraging celebrations that honor both tradition and inclusivity. Whether on April 23 or the new date of April 28, the day continues to evoke a sense of national pride and community spirit.
As the country prepares for the rearranged festivities, the question remains: how will the celebrations adapt to reflect the changing landscape of English identity? With figures like Sir Keir Starmer at the forefront, the hope is that St George's Day will not only honor the past but also inspire a more inclusive future.
