Communities in Southampton are being urged to host their own events to celebrate the patron saint of England, St George.

The city will host its first dedicated St George’s Day festival on April 23, and the city council is offering grants for community groups to hold their own events.

City MP John Denham, pictured below, council communities chief Satvir Kaur and Southampton Festivals’ Charlie Hislop are part of the team behind the plans for the festival at The City College’s Hub at 7pm on the day.

The event will feature music, ranging from classical and choral to pop and world music, modern and Asian dance, spoken word and a Shakespeare performance. A set of videos about community activities will also be screened while there will be a number of stalls.

There are several other events in the city on the day.

The Tudor House museum will host an event featuring archery and the chance for children to create their own heraldic shields from 10.30am to 3pm.

The event is free for children with a paying adult, although there will be small charges for some activities.

From 10am to midday and 1pm to 3pm the museum will also host two workshops where youngsters can hear the story of St George and a junk dragon puppet. The sessions cost £4.

Weston Court in Kingsclere Avenue will host a day of celebrations and games which will raise money for Wessex Cancer Trust and support group ETC.

And on April 27 the annual St George’s Day parade by the Southampton City District Scouts will start at 1.30pm at the Cenotaph and make its way to Guildhall Square.

Grants of up to £100 are have been made available by the city council for groups holding their own events.

Applicants need to send a photo and short description of their event to the council by Wednesday to be in with a chance of gaining funding.

You can apply online at southampton.gov.uk/living/ grants/councilgrants.stgd.aspx Mr Denham said: “It’s a great chance to celebrate St George’s Day. The grants could be enough to hire a room or buy bunting.”