SALISBURY'S annual celebrations to hail St George, the patron saint of England, will be held on St George's Day itself this year.

In previous years, the festivities have always been held on the nearest Sunday, but this year they will be held tomorrow, Friday, April 23.

Councillor Margaret Peach, Salisbury district council's deputy portfolio holder for tourism, said: "While some parts of the country are just starting to take notice of St George's Day, in Salisbury we have been leading the way with our festival, and I'm delighted it is taking place on St George's Day itself this year.

"St George has been known in England since before the Norman Conquest, and in 1415 his feast was made a festival of the highest rank.

"When England is involved in sporting or commercial events and on many other occasions, the St George's flag is the emblem of choice of supporters.

"In Salisbury, we shall once again be proud to continue this popular and ancient tradition."

Salisbury's connection to St George goes back centuries, as is evidenced by the stained glass depiction of St George in Salisbury Cathedral and the collection of dragons on buildings throughout the city.

City guide David Richards explained: "In medieval times, the local merchants, who were also the city leaders, set up a Merchant Guild, with St George as their patron saint.

"Every year, on April 23, they would hold a great parade through the streets of Salisbury, called the Riding of the George.

"They would go to St Thomas's Church for a mass and afterwards would feast on cygnets and woodcock in the Guildhall.

"This continued until the 1500s, when Henry VIII put a stop to such festivities after the Reformation.

"The city of Salisbury took the decision to revive the old St George's festivities about 20 years ago, and I for one am delighted, as it's a direct link to our medieval origins as a city."

This year's festival looks to the past to help the city celebrate St George's Day, focusing on the medieval pageantry of yesteryear.

Youngsters will get the chance to make their own fire-breathing dragons and the famous Salisbury giant will once again be making a star appearance.

There will also be a jester entertaining the crowds, a farmers' and crafts market, puppet shows and special guided walks.

All of the festivities are taking place in the Market Square, from 10am to 4pm tomorrow.