It is supposed to be a carnival of colour to celebrate the English patron saint. But this year’s St George’s celebrations in Bilston are set to be muted.
Organisers revealed the town’s Hindu Association was one of only a handful of supporters to come forward and support the event. Bilston Community Association said it had received “virtually no support” for the celebrations, which will be held on April 27. For the past three years, the association has organised colourful festivities to mark the day at the Prouds Lane centre.
Events usually include demonstrations, workshops, displays and performances.
Today, organisers issued a rallying call for more people to show their patriotic side and community spirit.
Martin Peake, who is involved with Bilston Community Association, has posted a blog on web page bilstononline voicing his disappointment at the lack of interest in the celebrations.
“Despite appealing to all our members and advertising it on our website we have had virtually no support for this event,” he said. “One of our member groups has come forward with some support. They are providing us with food at no charge.
“Despite the fact that St George is a Christian symbol, our Hindu friends have shown more support than any other group.”
Community centre bosses have written to more than a dozen schools in the area asking for support but so far have had no response.
“There will definitely be some celebrations but we really want more support,” said community association secretary Balvant Patel.
“We have got a couple of things lined up including a karate demonstration, nail and henna art but we are really hoping more people will come forward.
“We will be disappointed for the members if there is not more.”
Anyone willing to help boost the celebrations is asked to contact members of Bilston Community Centre, whose president is Lord Dennis Turner of Bilston, on 01902 552265.
In Wolverhampton, a brass band will line the streets as part of the St George’s Day celebrations on April 23. Mayor Trudy Bowen will also be hosting a fundraising traditional lunch where organist Steve Tovey will play patriotic songs.
9 Comments
I’m very dissapointed to read of the lack of interest in ST. Georges day celebrations,,yet ST Patricks
day is celebrated the world over,St georges day should a national holiday for everyone to enjoy!Come on
people of Wolverhampton and the Black Country,lets see some national pride for once!
people are too afraid to celebrate as it would be offensive to the non british,and we would end up with court orders for provoking a racist vibe.
Never mind whether St George’s day is a ‘Christian’ celebration; it’s also an English history celebration.
Unfortunately, it is greeted with the usual English apathy and lack of recognition for one’s culture.
Ask why many of you feel taken over!!!!
Which foreigner would like to embrace British culture when the British, primarily the English, don’t embrace it themselves?
It is a sad indictment of the times that a Country that proffered so much to the World should be sinking into oblivion ….. I no longer live in the UK and as an Englishman looking in it is possible to see the bigger picture.
Pride is something that you must feel and Pride is something that is so easily shared but sadly in England today there is a scarcity of it … this is not surprising when you consider the Puerile Pathetic Government that has held sway for too long and the voracious band of Liberal Minded Politically Correct Morons who have been allowed to wreak havoc on this Fair land …. this being said however does not preclude the responsibility of the hardcore of the populace who live off the Nanny State and quite obviously wish to retain the status quo … and last but not least the Infamous British Apathy which dictates “Let someone else do it”.
With my rant over! … Let me assure you all that ExPats all over the World will be raising a glass to toast our beloved Patron Saint and celebrating the day with enthusiasm and leave you with a Quote from anther Englishman ….
“Smile at us, pay us, pass us; but do not quite forget.
For we are the people of England, that never have spoken yet.”
G.K.Chesterton.
absolutely right NO4 we now just except any old garbage we are told sadly unless we stand up against all these PC idiots us english will be doomed in about 50 years
three cheers for the hindu association,come bilston where’s your english bulldog spirit,rally roud make a great day of it .
AT LEAST THE SCOTS,THE WELSH AND THE IRISH STILL HAVE A BIT OF RESPECT FOR THEMSELVES.
ENGLAND FOR EVER WE WILL FIGHT THEM ON
THE BEACHES etc etc etc.
AND GIVE IT ALL AWAY ?
I FEEL SORRY FOR ALL FORCES AND EX FORCES
AND WOULD LIKE TO YHANK THEM ALL FOR OUR
DEFFENCE.
TO MANY SCROUNGERS FROM OTHER COUNTRYS
BLEEDING OLD ENGLAND DRY
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN.
Have a carnival or a street party.