Todmorden News

Dragons And Medieval Cooking For St George’s Day 2010

Calderdale is celebrating St George’s Day on Friday 23 April with a host of events and activities over the weekend. See St George face the fearsome dragon at the Piece Hall, make your own dragon headdress, enjoy family activities at Bankfield Museum, get free entry to leisure centres when you wear the St George cross – and much more!

Events include the Piece Hall St George’s Day festival on Saturday 24 April, 12noon to 4pm. The Piece Hall will be going back to medieval times with living history demonstrations, a medieval encampment with real life combat, knights and noblemen, squires and ladies. See St George face up to the fearsome dragon as the Mummers Play is performed by the Pace Egg players from Calder High School.

There will be a cookery demonstration of authentic medieval food and a chance to build your own dragon mask or knights helmet and have your face painted. Make dragon headdresses and shields, try out medieval musical instruments and discover historic Halifax on walks around the town centre.

The event is free so come along and bring your friends and family. For more information phone 01422 321002.

Other events:

• A book display at Central Library, Halifax, will highlight St George in the context of legend and folklore.
• Free family activities on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Bankfield Museum, Halifax, with a display which takes a wry look at what it means to be English – titled “Best of British”.
• Red and white fireworks will be set off on Friday 23 April at 9.30pm from Beacon Hill. Note: As this is an aerial display, there is no dedicated viewing area at Beacon Hill.
• Local primary schools will parade specially-made masks and flags at Spring Hall Athletics Track on Friday, followed by an athletics festival.
• Free admission to gym, swim and classes to anyone wearing the flag of St George.

If you visit any of the six Active Lifestyles centres below on St George’s Day (Friday 23 April) and are sporting the St George’s Cross (on an item of clothing, a badge, flag etc) you will be rewarded with free access to the gym, swimming pool, fitness class and other individual activities. Admisson Policy applies. This offer is not valid with pre-booked sessions.

• North Bridge Leisure Centre
• Halifax Swimming Pool
• Todmorden Sports Centre
• Elland Swimming Pool
• Sowerby Bridge Swimming Pool
• Ridings Sports Centre

Councillor Ian Cooper, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Last year’s St George’s Day celebrations were a huge success, and Calderdale Council wants to make St George’s Day special again this year. A fantastic programme of events is in store to celebrate St George himself and our culture, heritage and history. From sports to interactive activities, there will be something for all ages with a St George’s theme.”