HE is renowned for rousing his red and white army to glorious victories on the pitch.

Now Saints legend Lawrie McMenemy is supporting a Daily Echo-backed extravaganza by spearheading the city’s St George’s Day celebrations being held at The Hub, Southampton City College.

Lawrie – who inspired Saints to their 1976 FA Cup win at Manchester United – will take part in a patriotic evening concert taking place on St George’s Day on Thursday, April 23.

The event – building on the success of last year’s concert – is being organised by Southampton Festivals and will be the climax to a day of community activities involving schools and community groups.

The evening will be opened by city Mayor Cllr Sue Blatchford and will feature dance, choirs, spoken word and folk music.

The entertainment will promote the city’s history and recognise the achievements of past and present residents.

A series of videos showing Southampton community groups, recorded by Southampton Solent University students, and a separate photo exhibition of the city by Love Southampton will also be shown.

The Nuffield Theatre will also present its This is England project with students from Bitterne Park School.

The day of celebrations is being organised in partnership with Southampton Itchen MP John Denham, Southampton City Council communities chief Satvir Kaur, Southampton Voluntary Services (SVS) and the Cathedral Innovation Centre.

Mr Denham is leading a call for people to fly the St George’s Day flag from flagpoles, windows and balconies.

The free festival kicks off at 7pm. See sotonstgeorge15.eventbrite.co.uk for tickets.