Magazine


For England and St George!

Conrad Astley
21/ 4/2006

THE flag of St George will by flying in the city this weekend - over a month before the World Cup kicks off in Germany. Manchester will be celebrating St George's Day with a special English market in honour of the patron saint, followed by a special parade through the city's streets.

The market in Piccadilly Gardens will feature costumed traders selling fresh produce and themed specialities including dragon soup, dragon burgers and even dragon blood fizzy drinks.

There will be knights and damsels, an appearance from Robin Hood and his merry men, morris dancers and even a junior town crier competition.

There will also be a more exotic flavour, with belly dancers and samba musicians.

And a St George's Day parade will leave Nicholas Varley School in Miles Platting at noon on Sunday, before winding its way along Oldham Road and eventually arriving at the English market in Piccadilly Gardens.

The market will run from noon until 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Meanwhile, flags and bunting will adorn Stockport's market on Saturday, with Roman soldiers on hand to keep the peace, and a St George's Day stall will also be put up on Warren Street to help mark the event.

A display providing more information about the St George legend will be put up at the town's central library.

There is also a special evening of vintage cinema, celebrating life in Stockport from 1900, will be shown at the Town Hall from 7.30pm on Sunday. Tickets cost £2.50 in advance or £3 on the night.

STOCKPORT'S historic Plaza cinema is paying tribute to the well-loved actor Alastair Sim this weekend.

The art deco cinema is marking the 30th anniversary of the actor's death with a special night in his honour.

They are showing a double bill of his most well-known films - An Inspector Calls and The Happiest Days Of Your Life - tomorrow night (Saturday).

Organisers say although the films have occasionally been shown on television, this will be the first time they have been screened in a period cinema since they were released in the 1950s.

The films will be introduced by the Edinburgh-born actor's daughter Merlith McKendrick, who followed her father (pictured above playing Scrooge in a classic film into the profession and was a regular performer at the Liverpool Playhouse.

The tribute follows similar successful events held in honour of George Formby and Robert Donat.

Anyone interested in going to the event is advised to reserve a seat by calling 477 7779.


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