St George's Day 2019: Top places to celebrate in the Midlands and Shropshire

The annual event takes place on April 23 and marks the traditionally accepted death of the English patron saint, with people across the country waving St George's Cross proudly.

Here is our list of the top places to celebrate in the Midlands and Shropshire:

Is there an event we've missed? Email webdesk@expressandstar.co.uk and let us know.

April 20 - St George's Day parade and slaying of the dragon, Newport

Newport's traditional St George's Day event will return for its 10th year, with all manner of themed entertainment and food including sausages made from a slain dragon.

The parade and associated dragon-slaying will begin at 12pm on April 20, proceeding from outside the Shakespeare Inn at the top of the High Street to outside the library in the town centre, where the brave knight will slay the beast.

Held on the nearest Saturday to April 23, the event will be preceded by a fancy dress competition at 11.30am, Morris dancing and a Punch and Judy puppet show.

The knight will be played as ever by Dan Ashley, and free 'dragon sausages' and St George hot cross buns will be on offer.

The day will also incorporate the traditional Mile of Cash charity appeal for Newport Cottage Care and refurbishment of the Newport 1st Scout hut.

Newport's High Street will be shut from 12pm until 1pm for the parade.

This event is free to attend.

For more information, click here.

April 20 - St George's Day Family Event with Donna Keen, Aldridge Social Club

Celebrate St George's Day in style in the concert room at Aldridge Social Club.

There will be live music from vocalist Donna Keen singing soul, tamla motown and northern soul.

Tickets start from £2.

For more information, click here.

April 21 - 1066 MCC St George's Day Parade, Solihull

The largest unofficial St George's Day parade returns for its 15th year.

Bikes, trikes, scooters, vans and trucks are welcome to the parade that will run from Notcutts Tesco on Stratford Road, Shirley at 5pm for a 6.15pm start.

The parade will end at Henley In Arden and is in aid of Midland Freewheelers Blood Bikes.

This event is free to attend.

For more information, click here.

April 21 - St George's Day Party with Common People, The Registry, Walsall

Celebrate St Georges Day at The Registry in Walsall.

There will be live music from Britpoip band Common People, covering songs from the likes of Oasis, Blur, Pulp, Suede, The Charlatans, Supergrass, Kaiser Chiefs, The Verve, Primal Scream, The Levellers, Ocean Colour Scene, Stereophonics, The Fratellis and many more.

There will also be a DJ and karaoke from 2pm.

Tickets for tables of four and above start from £20.

For more information, click here.

April 23 - St George's Day Lunch, Moor Hall Hotel and Spa, Sutton Coldfield

Head to Moor Hall Hotel and Spa for a themed three course lunch.

There will also be live entertainment from The Bluebird Belles who will take you on a nostalgic musical journey reliving the sounds of the wartime era with swing, jazz, ballads and singalongs.

Tickets cost £30.

For more information, click here.

April 23 - St George's Discovery Day, Staffordshire Regiment Museum, Lichfield

Take part in the dragon hunt and receive a free chocolate dragon at Staffordshire Regiment Museum.

You can also meet soldiers from various time periods and learn interesting facts about the military first hand.

This event is free to attend.

For more information, click here.

April 27 to 28 - St George's Family Fun Weekend, Stag's Leap, Rugeley

Enjoy a weekend of themed fun at Generous George pub Stag's Leap.

The whole family can enjoy a bouncy castle, games, face painting and resident DJ Cam for live entertainment.

On Sunday night there will also be a St George's Day quiz.

This event is free to attend.

For more information, click here.

April 27 - Spring Into St George's Day, Telford Town Park

Telford Town Park will once again be celebrating England with a series of arts activities.

The event will include a bike display, dog show, circus skill tent, street theatre, go karting, talent stage, pony rides and more.

Little ones will also have the chance to meet their favourite characters from Paw Patrol when the lovable pooches come to visit.

This event is free to attend.

For more information, click here.

April 28 - St George's Day event, Dudley Zoo

The flags are flying at Dudley Zoo ready for this year's St George's Day celebrations.

For the fourth consecutive year the annual festival, which is run in conjunction with Dudley Council, is returning to Dudley Zoo.

The attraction is inviting residents to join them for a celebration on Sunday, April 28, between 3pm and 7pm.

The event will take place inside the courtyard of Dudley Castle and will include a medieval re-enactment, children's entertainers, face painting, crafts and a walkabout with Smoked the Dragon.

There will also be animal encounters and extra talks and feeds, as well as history and ghost tours throughout the afternoon.

For more information, click here.

April 28 - Stone Cross St George's Day Parade, West Bromwich

England's biggest St George's Day parade has been saved after Sandwell Council stepped in with a £1,000 grant, and will take place on April 28.

Attendees will assemble on Westminster Road, West Bromwich from 10am. The parade will depart from 10.45am and finish at Dartmouth Park.

There will also be a series of afternoon activities for crowds to enjoy.

This event is free to attend.

For more information, click here.