Everything you need to know about St George's Day 2025 – flag, dragon and traditions explained
SAINT George's Day is a day of celebration across England, as people celebrate the history of the country.
Normally celebrated on 23rd April each year,
Advertisement
3
St George's Day is marked by many different exciting traditions
Credit: Getty Images
3
Morris dancing is a big part of the St George's Day celebrations
Credit: Getty Images
The Story of St George
The real St George was a Roman soldier born in the 3rd century AD.
He was executed for refusing to renounce his Christian faith, making him a martyr and eventually leading to him being venerated as a saint.
England adopted St George as its patron saint in the 14th century during the reign of King Edward III.
He was chosen for his virtues of courage, honour, and chivalry, which resonated with medieval England.
Advertisement
However, as time went by, myths and legends began being built around St George.
The most famous tale about him follows his heroic rescue of a princess from a terrifying dragon.
According to the tale, villagers routinely fed sheep to a dragon which lorded over their town.
However, when they ran out of sheep, they decided to offer up their princess to the creature.
Advertisement
Most read in The Sun
Exclusive
Latest
Riding past on his horse, St George decided to step in and killed the dragon - setting the villagers and the Princess free.
This story reached England in the 12th Century, during the Crusades, but actually dates all the way back to the 11th Century.
It was originally set in Cappadocia, Turkey, but was later transferred to Libya in later myths.
In the very first versions of the myth, which can be traced back to the 9th Century, St George's battle was actually attributed to St Theodore Trio.
Advertisement
St George is now also the patron saint of Ethiopia, Georgia, and Portugal, and cities such as Freiburg, Moscow and Beirut.
The St George's Flag
The St George's Flag has been associated with England since the Middle Ages.
GMB guest in furious row with Ed Balls and The Apprentice's Tom Skinner as they lock horns over St George's Day
It was originally used by English soldiers during the Crusades and later became part of the Union Jack, along with Scotland and Northern Ireland's flags.
The St George's Flag is a simple design consisting of a red cross on a white background.
Advertisement
The red cross is representative of St George's cross, and the white background symbolises peace.
Red was chosen as the colour of the iconic cross in order to represent bravery and strength.
St George's Day Traditions in the UK
St George's Day is one of the biggest celebrations on the UK calendar, with schools and churches across the country joining in the fun.
Traditional activities include parades, church services, and flag-waving ceremonies.
Advertisement
Some communities even host medieval fairs, complete with knights, reconstructions of the legendary dragon and storytelling.
Morris dancing and
Pubs and restaurants also often offer themed menus and drinks.
3
The day is often marked by a speech from the sitting Prime Minister
Credit: PA Media
Advertisement
St George's Day in 2025
In 2025, St George's Day will not fall on Wednesday, 23 April, as it usually does.
The holiday
In 2025, The Church of England has moved the annual feast day to April 28 as no saint's day can take place a week before or after Easter.
Easter Sunday fell on April 20 in 2025.
Advertisement
Prime Minister Keir Starmer chose to recognise St George's Day on April 23, despite the move, with a stirring speech.
He said: 'Yet now – we can see people trying to sow division in our communities.
"People taking the red and white of our flag with them as they throw bricks at businesses.
'That is what happened last year – in the riots.
Advertisement
"And we must fight it.
"Because it was the aftermath of the riots that showed what it means to be English.
'It marked the coming together of a country.
"People who got together the morning after, all across Britain.
Advertisement
"With shovels, brooms, and brushes, to clean up their communities.
'Rebuilding walls, repairing damage.
"It's in that spirit that we reclaim our flag for our country.
"For English decency, honour and fairness.
Advertisement
'Wrench it out of the hands of those who want to divide this nation.
Read more on the Irish Sun
"And reclaim it for good.'
St George's Day has been recognised as a national holiday in England since the early 15th century, though it is
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
42 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders actress Alice Haig reveals exactly what the old Vicki Fowler star said to her after she took over her role
EASTENDERS actress Alice Haig revealed exactly what her predecessor as Vicki Fowler said to her after taking on the role. Alice, 40, 4 Alice Haig began playing EastEnders' Vicki Fowler earlier this year Credit: BBC 4 The actress spoke to The Sun at this year's British Soap Awards Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 4 Previous Vicki actress Scarlett Alice Johnson reached out to Alice Credit: BBC She took over from previous star Scarlett Alice Johnson, who played the part over 20 years ago. Speaking to The Sun at the British Soap Awards, Alice confirmed her predecessor had reached out. She told us: "Scarlett sent me a beautiful email wishing me luck and being incredibly kind. "It was a lovely thing to get. She said it's great fun playing Vicki Fowler and I couldn't agree more." Read more on EastEnders The Sun previously told how Scarlett Bosses of EastEnders had hoped to win Scarlett back after her portrayal of Vicki developed a cult following online - two decades after her last appearance. The actress A spokesperson for Scarlett told The Sun: 'Scarlett was approached, and was flattered to be asked to return, but the timing wasn't right for her to step back into the role. Most read in Soaps "She wishes Alice Haig and the show all the very best'. Meanwhile, Alice also told us at the Soap Awards: "In all honesty, I think in soap world we suspend our disbelief. We're changing actors. EastEnders' original Vicki Fowler actress Scarlett Alice Johnson TURNED DOWN epic soap comeback for 40th anniversary - as role is recast "Once you're bedded in for a bit, you are the character and you do what you do. "I think what I'm really interested in is trying to find flavours of Michelle - her mum. "As opposed to trying to copy Scarlett, who was fantastic and her own person. "It's much better to be who you are and to try and play it as truthfully as you can, for you." Soap characters who've been recast Soap operas are staple viewing for many people, but even some of the most famous characters have been played by different actors. Here are some examples from over the years. Coronation Street Tracy Barlow : Kate Ford took on the role of Corrie legend Tracy Barlow in 2002. Before Kate, three other actresses had played Tracy - most notably Dawn Acton from 1988 to 1999. Nick Tilsley: Ben Price has been playing Gail's oldest child in 2009, but the former Footballers' Wives star is the third actor to take on the part. Sarah Platt: Although Tina O'Brien debuted as Sarah Platt in 1999, she is the third actress who has played the iconic role of Sarah Platt. David Platt: Completing the line-up of Gail's children, David was initially played by Thomas Ormson for a decade before Jack P. Shepherd took over. Daniel Osbourne: For almost a decade, the role of Ken Barlow's son Daniel has been portrayed by actor Rob Mallard. Before Rob joined, two other actors had previously played Daniel. Bethany Platt: Fans know Lucy Fallon as Bethany nowadays but before her, three other actresses had stepped into the character's shoes. Kirk Sutherland: Before Andy Whyment took on the role of Kirk, he played by an uncredited actor in his very first appearance. Todd Grimshaw: Gareth Pierce stepped into the role of Todd back in 2020, becoming the second performer to play this part. Summer Spellman: Harriet Bibby became the second actress to play Summer, taking over the role from Matilda Freeman in 2020. Ryan Connor: Ryan Prescott currently plays the long-running character, but Ben Thompson and Sol Heras had earlier portrayed the role. EastEnders Martin Fowler: Although Martin was the first baby born on-screen in EastEnders, he hasn't always been played by the same person. His current portrayer, James Bye, is the third actor to star as the character. Peter Beale: Seven actors have portrayed Ian Beale's elder son, with the current actor, Thomas Law, in his second stint as the character. Ben Mitchell: Ben has been played by a total of six actors - with Max Bowden bowing out of the role in March 2024. Bobby Beale: Before Clay Milner Russell, Ian's younger son had been played by four other actors. Freddie Slater : Bobby's best mate, Freddie Slater, had been previously played by twins Alex and Tom Kilby before Bobby Brazier took over in 2022. Chelsea Fox: Former Coronation Street actress Zaraah Abrahams took over the role of Chelsea in 2020. The character had been first played by Tiana Benjamin from 2006 to 2010. Lauren Branning: Jacqueline Jossa took on the role of Lauren in 2010, succeeding Madeline Duggan who'd played her from 2006 to 2010. Johnny Carter: Johnny has been played by three actors since debuting in 2013 - most recently, Charlie Suff has taken on the role. Acting appears to run in Alice's family, as the new star Upon Vicki's return to Albert Square, she was Viewers discovered she EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer. 4 Vicki has a new partner, Ross Marshall Credit: BBC
The Irish Sun
42 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Prince Harry's latest stunt sends a terrible message – the King should sever him for good, says expert
PRINCE Harry has reportedly considered changing his surname to Spencer, stepping away from his family's name, Mountbatten-Windsor. While reports say the Duke of Sussex was counselled against the decision by Princess Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, royal experts have claimed that it 'sends a message' to the royals. Advertisement 7 Prince Harry should be cut off by King Charles after wanting to 'ditch' his Mountbatten-Windsor surname, claims a royal expert Credit: Getty 7 It was reported that Harry has reportedly considered changing his surname to Spencer, after Princess Diana Credit: AFP 7 Harry is said to have consulted Diana's brother, Earl Spencer about the idea Credit: Getty Speaking on The Sun's Royal Exclusive show, former Sun Royal Correspondent Charles Rae said: 'I think as well that this is another Harry not knowing what he wants to do. 'It was only less than a month ago that he was pleading for a reconciliation with his father and his brother. 'And the next thing we hear, and I think the story was well sourced, he wants to change the name from Mountbatten-Windsor to Spencer. 'Well, that is sending a terrible message to the royal family that he doesn't really want a reconciliation. Advertisement More on Prince Harry 'He wants to be completely severed from the royal family. 'And I think the king should grant his wish. 'I think he should sever him from the royal family.' The 40-year-old asked Princess Diana's brother - Earl Spencer - for advice during a visit to the UK, it is claimed. Advertisement Most read in Royals Exclusive But the Duke of Sussex was reportedly told the legal side of doing so would be too difficult. A friend of Harry's told the There's nothing much left of 'erratic' Harry in terms of a man, he's just watching Meghan crack on Royal correspondent Sarah Hewson added on Royal Exclusive: 'I mean, is it to send a message to the royal family? 'Is it to say, 'ok, fine, you don't want to talk to us, then we're not a part of this anymore'. Advertisement 'Is it because he feels much closer to his Spencer relatives? 'They are the ones who turned up for the 10th anniversary Invictus service at St Paul's, for example. 7 If Prince Harry changed his surname, his daughter would be known as Lilibet Diana Spencer Credit: Instagram 7 On The Sun's Royal Exclusive show Charles Raw and Sarah Hewson spoke to host Bronte Coy Credit: Supplied Advertisement 'There weren't any members of the royal family there. Is it to honour his mother? 'Some more cynical commentators have suggested, well, it would be very good marketing in the United States to have the Spencer name and Lilibet would then be Lilibet Diana Spencer.' SURNAME CONFUSION Harry's children go by Mountbatten-Windsor - which combines the Royal Family's name of Windsor and the Duke of Edinburgh 's surname. However, Meghan Markle claimed in her Netflix show that her surname is now Sussex. Advertisement The couple became the Sussexes when the 7 Meghan said on Netflix that her surname is Sussex Credit: Netflix Harry previously had the title Prince Henry of Wales . But on his wedding day, he became The Duke of Sussex, a title which had been vacant since 1843. Meghan was seen to Advertisement In an episode on "You have kids and you go, 'No, I share my name with my children'. "I didn't know how meaningful it would be to me but it just means so much to go 'This is OUR family name. Our little family name.' " Mountbatten-Windsor is the surname of descendants of the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Advertisement 7 Relations have been tense between Prince Harry and his UK family in recent years Credit: Getty Questions were raised when Harry and Meghan The children were then officially named as prince and princess on the Royal Family's official website. Archie and Lilibet are sixth and seventh in line to the throne. Advertisement Before their titles were listed as prince and princess on the royal website, they were down as Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Miss Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor. They gained the titles when King Charles became the King, as they are grandchildren of the monarch. Why did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle step back as senior working royals? PRINCE Harry has always wanted out of the Royal Family and the repercussions will be felt for years, an expert has claimed. The Duke of Sussex has lived in California with his wife Meghan Markle since 2020 after they dramatically quit their jobs as working royals and moved across the pond. Katie Nicholl, who is Vanity Fair's royal correspondent, told The Sun's Speaking to The Sun's Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson, the commentator explained: "Anyone who knows Harry is aware he's always wanted a way out of the Royal Family. "He's said multiple times on the record that he wished he'd never been born a prince. "I think he really is living the life he wants to now. It's very, very sad that it's played out the way it has.' "We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. "It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. "We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. "This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.'
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Love Island's first bombshell revealed as sexy Las Vegas pool party waitress
LOVE Island's first bombshell can be revealed by The Sun after Maya Jama teased it was a American girl - and she's already in the villa. The sexy Yank is Antonia Laites, a pool party waitress from Las Vegas. 4 Antonia Laites arrived on the first day of filming in the villa Credit: Linkedin 4 The pool party waitress worked at the swanky Fontainebleau resort Credit: Linkedin Antonia is a hot brunette who looks after the VIP cabanas at posh Fontainebleau Resort in Sin City. She's also lived in Miami. The beauty strutted into the villa on the very first day to shake up the action from the off. A source said: 'Being Love Island's first bombshell of the series is a big deal and is always reserved for the sexiest cast members. Read More on Love Island 'In the past it's been the likes of 'Antonia landed as part of a huge first day and everyone is very excited.' She arrives in the love nest at a great time as It comes after Most read in Love Island The video, shared on the show's social media, showed Maya receiving a message on her phone which she played aloud. "Hey Maya, I heard you want more twists," Antonia can be heard saying. Love Island fans stunned as they spot Towie legend's forgotten villa cameo- do you remember it- "How about an American bombshell?" she continues. "Get ready, I'm on my way!" An excited Maya then announces, "That's the sweet sweet sounds of an American!" Love Island 2025 full lineup : A 29-year-old footballer with charm to spare. : A model and motivational speaker who has overcome adversity after suffering life-changing burns in an accident. : A 22-year-old Manchester-based model, ready to turn heads. Blu Chegini : A boxer with striking model looks, seeking love in the villa. : A payroll specialist from Southampton, looking for someone tall and stylish. : International business graduate with brains and ambition. : A gym enthusiast with a big heart. : A Londoner with celebrity connections, aiming to find someone funny or Northern. Ben Hullbra : A model ready to make waves. : An Irish actress already drawing comparisons to Maura Higgins. : A personal trainer and semi-pro footballer, following in his footballer father's footsteps. : A towering 6'5' personal trainer. : A 25-year-old Irish rugby pro Departures : : Axed after an arrest over a machete attack emerged. He was released with no further action taken and denies any wrongdoing. Love Island begins tomorrow night at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX 4 Maya Jama got a voice note from the US based Islander 4 The OGs from this year's cast Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
