Parades and dancing across West Midlands for St George's Day celebrations

Towns were turned red and white as families flocked to enjoy celebrations over the weekend.

While preparations are also under way for events to honour England's patron saint tomorrow.

The biggest parade in the region was held in West Bromwich yesterday and was attended by more than 15,000 people.

Flags and bunting were draped from windows, people dressed up and there was a chorus of singing as participants made their way from Westminster Road to Dartmouth Park.

The parade featured representatives from the Royal British Legion, the Corby Purple Star Flute Band and the Northfield Caledonia Pipes and Drums.

There was also the British Legion Motorcycle Club and a horse-drawn princess carriage.

Organiser Mark Cowles, from the Stone Cross St George Association, said the number of people taking part was down on last year - between 15,000 and 20,000 compared with more than 20,000 in 2012.

But he said: "We're delighted so many people have come out again to support it.

"Everything has gone to plan. I don't know if it's the forecast that's put some people off - obviously we depend on the weather. But it's still a fantastic turn-out."

The march culminated in a fun fair at Dartmouth Park where attractions included medieval re-enactments and a falconry display.

Among those joining in the fun were Angela Stevens-Wood and her son Ajay Jones, aged six.

The 44-year-old mother-of-three, a courier from Bedford Road in West Bromwich, said: "I believe you have to support these things. We need to be proud of our country. We have every right to celebrate who we are and where we come from."

Delivery driver Stephen Nock, from Scott Avenue in Wednesbury, was at the parade with his partner Emma and daughters Taylor and Kelsey.

The 39-year-old said: "We really wanted the kids to be able to join in with the parade this year. St George's Day should be celebrated. In other parts of the world people are proud of their country and where they come from so why should it be any different here."

Ray Hartill, aged 72, from the Tipton branch of the Royal British Legion, also took part.

The former Royal Navy seaman, from Burghley Drive in West Bromwich, said: "I think it's about time we started celebrating St George's Day.

"Places like Scotland and Wales have these sort of celebrations so why shouldn't we?"

Meanwhile the flag of St George was flying proudly in Dudley as an annual festival took place in the town centre.

Celebrations on Saturday began with a civic procession from the council house to Market Place before activities including music and dance took place on the main stage.

Maggie O'Hara sang patriotic songs such as Land of Hope and Glory and Jerusalem.

This followed by a dance from 1st Sedgley Morris Men.

Secretary Dave Jeffery said: "We thoroughly enjoyed it. We have done the event in Dudley for the past six or seven years and we always enjoy it.

"It is nice to celebrate St George's Day.

"It is the English celebration and Morris Dancing is an English tradition."

Other highlights on Saturday included exhibitions at Dudley Museum and Art Gallery, activities at Dudley Library and tours of the council house in Priory Road including information on the historic civic robes and insignia.

Alf Dimmock, aged 87, of Sheffield Street in Quarry Bank, was the among the Royal British Legion members at the event.

The former private, who served with The Suffolk Regiment in the 1940s, said: "I think it was a good day. We should celebrate being English. Why not? I am proud to be English. I love everything about our country."

Teacher Sally Jones, who lives near Tunnel Street in Coseley, attended the event with her son Archie, aged four. Archie was dressed as a Medieval knight.

Mrs Jones said: "I thought it was really worthwhile, very good for the community. The library was fantastic they had put a lot of effort in. I found it really interesting. Archie thoroughly enjoyed it, he was interested in seeing all the robes."

It comes as preparations are made for a celebratory event in Rugeley. The festivities have been organised by the Rugeley Traders Association, rather than the town council which was behind the event last year – the first of its kind to take place in Rugeley.

St George and his white horse will be riding into the town centre tomorrow. Rugeley schoolchildren will also be designing cardboard cut-outs of the English Rose which will go on display in shop windows to add to the patriotic atmosphere.

Meanwhile in Wolverhampton the patron saint will be honoured in Queen Square.