Stone Cross St George Day Parade

Submitted by: Steadfast news correspondent, 26th Apr 09

A great day out for the English on Sunday 26th April.

The St George Day parade was started in 1999 by a group of local residents of the Stone Cross area of West Bromwich, who desired to display their appreciation and love for their country and celebrate their heritage and acknowledge St George’s Day, the occasion and to pay homage to our heroes and our glorious past. This group called themselves the Stone Cross St George Association.

It was decided that the parade would be from Stone Cross to The Hall End Tavern and while numbers started low, they increased year on year. Now this is possibly the largest St George Day parade in England and a marvellous getting together of English men and women, boys and girls.

Estimated attendee figures…

Year Public Attendees
2000 – 150
2001 – 300
2002 – 600
2003 – 1700
2004 – 4800
2005 – 6000
2006 – 7-8000
2007 – 15,000
2008 – 15,000
2009 – 20,000

Currently the walk stretches from Stone Cross to Garters Green and consists of a full compliment of side shows, market stalls, entertainment and guest speakers.

Sadly where previously the parade had the partial financial backing of Sandwell’s council, this was withdrawn due to what could be easily interpreted as anti-English prejudice from a few council members. The last minute withdrawal of support meant that the Association had to find £10,000 of funding.

Upon applying to the Steadfast Trust, a grant sum of £1375 was approved by the charity on the 31st March 2009 . With the charities support we have helped to assist this fantastic event and hope to continue to do so for years to come.

During the event a Steadfast Trust banner was on stage with a guest speaker from the charity, while leafleting took place throughout the walk promoting our cause. All in all a great event and we would like to congratulate the organisers for all their hard work and commitment.