Council lines up fun for St George’s Day and Queen’s birthday

The Council is laying on various events for families and senior citizens at the end of April to mark two events which are seen as the epitome of “Englishness” – but is all as it seems?

•On 21st April, the Queen will celebrate her 90th birthday. It’s an age which it very much easier for the wealthy to reach than her subjects. The Queen is the unelected monarch of Great Britain and a bit of Ireland and a few Commonwealth countries – a smaller set of territories than her predecessors had ruled over. A direct descendent of Queen Victoria and her German spouse, Prince Albert, Queen Elizabeth II also has Danish ancestors.  She married Prince Phillip, who was a member of both the Greek and Danish royal families. The Queen of Great Britain, then, is less British than European.

•St George’s Day comes two days later, on 23rd April. St George is the patron saint of England, so his day is seen as England’s national day. Not much is known about St George, but he was born in an area which is part of modern day Turkey and went on to serve in the army of the Roman Empire. It is believed that George refused to take part in torturing Christians, which is what the Roman army was up to back then. He was tortured himself as punishment, and eventually killed – in Palestine in around 300AD. The story about him slaying a dragon seems to have been a mediaeval invention.

Anyway, despite this pan-European background to these two English institutions, they provide good reason for a few celebrations – and here’s what’s on offer from the Council.

•Wednesday 20th April, 2-4.30pm
Over 50s tea dance, the Art Pavilion in Mile End Park with live music from The Sunshine Kings who will play classic tunes from across the decades. Dance leader Tony Lane will be on hand to encourage residents to get on the dance floor and boogie on down. Tea will be provided.
Admission is free, but it is essential to book in advance. To book a place call 020-7364 7900 between 9.30am and 1pm or email:
festivalsandevents@towerhamlets.gov.uk

•Saturday 23 April, 11.30am-4.30pm
Family fun at the Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green. Discover the delights of English folk music and dance traditions with rousing song, instrumental and dance performances by the Trad Academy. Enjoy the big brass sound of the Becontree Brass Band and the soaring harmonies of the Hackney Voices Choir. Hands-on activities include making a card fit for a Queen and there will also be scrumptious cakes available from the East End Women’s Institute.
No booking is necessary, just turn up on the day. For more information call 020-8983 5200.

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