AN action-packed day of traditional family fun has been lined up for the annual St George’s Day Festival in the town centre tomorrow.

Maypole dancing, a parade, comedy sketches and a chance to meet St George’s dragon Blaze will be the order of the day held to celebrate England’s patron saint.

Last year’s event attracted thousands of people and hopes are high that with good weather promised, even more people will turn up for the free programme of festivities.

Di Powell, chief executive of organiser inSwindon BID, said the day was going to be a blast and urged people to go along and take part.

She said: “The annual event is set to be a great day out for the all family and it is a great opportunity to showcase the town centre businesses.”

The free festival features the Best of Swindon Talent Competition finals at Wharf Green from 2pm with performances by Melody Chan, Amelie Jadhav, Tamara Lee, Ben Kay, Omolola Funsho, Nathanael Parker, Kody Bowler and Lucianna Lambert.

Seven of them were chosen last Friday by a team of judges including Marcus Lilley from the Wyvern Theatre and Matt Fox of the Swindon Fringe. The eighth was voted for by the public.

Ms Powell said: “This year’s best of Swindon Talent Competition 2018 entries has once again produced a high standard of entries.

"The judges and I had a difficult job to shortlist the finalists to put forward to the official judging stage.

Other attractions during the day include displays of falconry in Havelock Square, face painting and children activities.

Sir Muck-About will act as master of ceremonies on the stage where he will be joined by a Diana Dors look-a-like, who will add a touch of movie star glamour.

The audience will get to meet St. George and get ready to go on an adventure with Blaze the dragon.

St. George will also lead the official parade through the town centre with the Britannia Mini/Majorettes from 12.30pm, meeting at the Cenotaph.

Members of the public, community groups, scout, cubs, guides and dance groups are all invited to join the procession.

All the town centre businesses are opening up for the event and many are making special offers.

The fun starts at 11am and continues until 4pm.