PATRIOTIC residents are invited to take part in this year’s St George’s Day celebrations.

The event takes place in the town centre on Saturday, April 23 and dozens of Swindon organisations have already signed up to take part in the procession, as well as the main celebration in Wharf Green.

This year there has been so much interest in the event that a second stage is being planned in The Parade, with more live entertainment.

Swindon mayor Rex Barnett said: “It’s going to be a great day. I think this year’s celebrations is bringing to the fore what a great community we have in Swindon and what a great community spirit.

“St George is our patron saint, and the patron saint of our Armed Services. He is also patron saint of the Scouts so I thought this was an opportunity, as it fell on Saturday, to have a big celebration.”

The celebration will start at 11am with a short blessing at the cenotaph, in Regent Circus, led by the Rev Nick Lines.

Coun Barnett will lead the procession with Swindon’s five-metre model of St George BBC Wiltshire presenter Graham Mack will host the main event at Wharf Green, from noon to 4pm, with a live entertainment including bands The BiSkitts, The Fixed, Swindon’s first Samba band, as well as solo artists Eden Golding and 2010 Swindon Talent contestant stars.

There will also be displays from Britannia Majorettes, Swindon Air Cadets and morris dancers.

The show, which is backed by inSwindon and Forward Swindon, will close with the U3A choir singing favourites, including Jerusalem, Land Of Hope And Glory and Rule Britannia.