Saffron Walden all set for ‘biggest ever’ St George’s Day (April 23) celebrations

ST George’s Day celebrations in Saffron Walden on Monday will be the biggest ever, say organisers of the annual procession.

This year, the ‘dragon’ procession will be singing and dancing around the sacred sites of Saffron Walden, Audley End and Littlebury.

Organiser Giles Bryant, of the World Healing Project, said: “We have amazing musicians, performers, dancers and a film crew following the fun. Everyone is welcome for this community celebration.”

Mr Bryant will lead a special assembly at RA Butler School and the procession commences at 11.30am. Starting at the ancient turf maze on the Common, the ‘dragon’ will move to the Market Place where it will drink from the fountain, before moving on to the Audley End House main entrance, believed to be an ancient sacred site, where the entourage will sing. It will then travel to Littlebury Church, site of the former Littlebury Stone Circle, and the Queen’s Head Pub.

There will also be a stop at the Holy Well at Freshwell Street, before travelling back into Saffron Walden. The main event will be a storytelling of St George taming the dragon, at the castle from 4pm.

“There is great meaning in the allegory of the story of St George,” said Mr Bryant. “The name George means ‘Earth worker’ and the dragon is the energy of the earth. Through loving intention and community celebration we can return harmony to the world.”

Mr Bryant, who promotes community and well-being events in the area, is also giving an illustrated talk, ‘St George, The Dragon & The Return of Paradise’, on Saturday at the Parish Rooms, St Mary’s Church Saffron Walden, from 7.30pm. Entry is �2.