FAMILIES enjoyed a fun-filled St George’s Day spectacular full of live music and entertainment in the town centre on Sunday.

Thousands of people attended the festival celebrating England’s patron saint.

Daryl Thomas, 38, from Stratton brought his two seven-year-old daughters Freya and Eva to get their faces painted and watch Sir Muck-About perform a comical routine with the audience.

He said: “It’s very good free entertainment, the kids are really enjoying it.

“It’s nice weather, everyone’s out and about, it’s lovely.”

Anna Suter popped into town with her children Lilliana, Miles and Alfie from her central Swindon home and saw falconers showcase the skills of several birds of prey.

Anna said: “We just walked into town and saw this, we didn’t know this was going to be here, it’s great.

“My youngest loves birds so she could sit for hours listening to this guy.

“They’re all loving it, this is the quietest they’ve been all day.

“It’s a really lovely day today, it’s been really nice, and it’s kept them entertained.”

Kids also enjoyed maypole dancing in the Parade.

A large crowd followed the centrepiece of the event, a parade from the Cenotaph to Wharf Green.

The parade was led by St George and a dragon, with Mayor Maureen Penny in full ceremonial garb close behind and marching band the Britannia Majorettes performing rousing melodies.

Members of the public waving English flags trailed behind the band.

Coun Penny said: “I’ve lead a parade before, but I’ve never been part of one with a dragon.

“That was a lot of fun and it was nice to wear my full robes and hat rather than just the chain for a change.”

Di Powell, chief executive of the festival’s organiser inSwindon BID, was very pleased with how the day went.

She said: “The sun came out for us, which was beautiful, and there was something for everyone here today – even a fire-breathing dragon in the town centre.”

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