ST GEORGE’S Day is meant to be a special occasion to celebrate everything that makes this country what it is.

To celebrate the patriotic national day, the third annual St George’s Day festival will be taking place on Saturday.

And legendary Saints manager Lawrie McMenemy is due to host the commemorative event.

The festival will also see the winners announced of the Daily Echo and St George’s Day Festival Community Awards.

Nominations have been pouring in for the awards that celebrate modern day St Georges, people who have made the Southampton City Region better, regardless of their age, background or religion.

Almost 30 people and groups from across the Southampton area have been nominated for an award which include: Biggest Improvement to Quality of Life in the Southampton City Region, Young Person or People who have Improved Life and Wellbeing in the Southampton City Region, Biggest Campaigner for Change in the Southampton City Region, Putting the Southampton City Region on the Map and a Local Unsung Hero.

Residents have been hosting scores of patriotic events to celebrate St George’s Day and the day itself will be marked by the festival at the 1865 in Southampton’s Brunswick Square.

An afternoon of free festivities, including the premiere of short films about some Sotonions, will be on offer as well as the award ceremony.

The event will be hosted by Lawrie McMenemy.

There will also be a bar and free snacks will be on offer.

The event starts at 4pm on Saturday, April 23 and finishes at 6pm.

For more information about the festival and to register for a free ticket click here.

Cllr Satvir Kaur, the cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, said: “Nations within the UK are very proud of their patron saints and it is only right that England became more passionate about our patron saint.

“St George was a Turkish man who was in the Roman military and that really highlights the diversity we have in this country and in Southampton.

“The St George’s Day Awards are about highlighting the best of Southampton and celebrating all the good work that individuals and organisations do to make Southampton what it is.

“Southampton is only as good as its people, and people are only as good as how they treat one another and it is really important that we recognise the people who go that extra mile to make the city really special.”