Ilkeston - St George's Day Parade, 23rd April 2005
w/e 24 April 2005
All this week's pictures were taken
with a Kodak DX6490
St George's Day was celebrated in Ilkeston with a large parade
of people in costume and decorated vehicles through the streets
of the town to the Recreation Ground. The thumbnail images above
show some of the participants in the parade and below are just
a small selection from the parade and the events on the Rutland
Recreation Ground.
Astride his trusty steed and accompanied by his lady, St George
led the parade through the streets of Ilkeston on Saturday, proudly
carrying the English standard for all to see. Forecast cloud
and rain failed to materialise and nobody complained, large crowds
turning out to partake of the carnival atmosphere.
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I'm not sure at this point whether the dragon that followed St
George had been vanquished as he was still breathing smoke and
was attended by a young maiden although she didn't look in any
distress.
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As well as a number of decorated floats, the parade also included
a large number of vehicles all sporting flags of England's Patron
Saint, St George.
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On the Recreation Ground, a number of people in costume had set
up camp recreating the early settlement that later led to the
town of Ilkeston. Later in the afternoon the battle of 917AD
when Anglo Saxons of Derby and Nottingham captured the counties
from the Vikings was re-enacted. We spoke to some of these settlers
and found that some of them had travelled from far away to take
part in Ilkeston's celebration of St George's Day. Durham, Tamworth
and Mansfield were just three of the places in the UK and it
was also rumoured that someone from Toronto in Canada was taking
part.
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A more unusual costume was worn by this gentleman. I can only
assume his walk to the Rec through the streets had tired him
out and left him somewhat flagging. Unfortunately it was the
wrong flag as his attire was that of the Union Flag and not that
of St George. Never mind, it's the thought that counts and it
all added to the fun.
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Meanwhile another St George, a maiden obviously no longer in
distress and a friendly dragon seemed to have resolved their
differences and were enjoying a pint of good old English ale
together.
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