The St George’s Day celebration returns to Ollerton Village on Sunday 27th April, promising an afternoon of patriotic festivity and family fun.
The action begins at 12.00pm, when St George and his henchmen will lead the parade from the top of the bus lane into Ollerton village, and our hero will announce the start of the celebrations on the main stage in front of the Hop Pole Hotel, shortly after.
Headlining this year’s celebration is Freddie Mercury tribute act Joseph Lee Jackson. Hailing from Newark, Joseph is described as one of the world’s most authentic Freddie tributes. He’ll be performing two sets on the main stage during the afternoon.
Elsewhere, Gary Breinholt and The Newstead Mummers will be bringing the story of England’s patron saint to life with a traditional mummers play. Expect folk drama, tomfoolery and lots of laughs.
The Knights of Skirbeck will be setting up camp on the Memorial Ground, transporting us back to Medieval England and providing anarchic fun in the form of skirmishes and demonstrations.
Feeling daring? Next to the main stage will be a 13ft tall clockwork dragon; an interactive installation kindly provided by Live and Local, who will also have free activities for you to try in their craft tent.
The ever-popular Rattlejag Morris will return to entertain the crowds, hopefully roping a few brave bystanders into giving Morris dancing a whirl.
Children won’t have a chance to be bored; there will be traditional fairground games, crafts, circus skills and a jester, plus a duck race on the River Maun. There’s also a chance to meet Mansfield Town Football Club’s official mascot, Sally Stag, and have a photo taken.
Music will be provided by the Dukeries Singers, a steel band, harpist, ukeleles, bellringers and more.
There will be plenty of local organisations and charities in attendance, along with stalls selling locally-produced treats, so remember to bring some cash.
And once you’ve had your ice cream there will be a chance to burn it off and win prizes. Put your fitness to the test with the Dukeries Leisure Centre’s exercise bikes and rowing machines.
One of Ollerton’s most beloved annual days out, the event returns following a five-year hiatus that began when the 2020 event was cancelled due to covid restrictions. As in the past, the focus is on affordable family fun. The event is free to attend and the committee has worked hard to ensure there is something for everyone and costs to families are kept to a minimum.
A full programme, including times, will be posted on Facebook (search for St George’s Day celebration – Ollerton) before the event and free copies will be handed out on the day.
The committee would like to encourage visitors to walk to the event where possible – there is no specific parking. If you do drive, please be courteous and mindful of restrictions. Please don’t block access to residents’ properties.
St George’s Arts and Crafts Exhibition
Creative locals of all ages and abilities are invited to take part in a St George’s Day-themed community arts and crafts exhibition, which will be officially opened by St George in St Giles’ Church on the day of the event.
All submissions are welcome – it could be a knitted dragon, a painting, a flag, a collage or even a short story or poem on the theme of St George.
There’s still time to take part in the exhibition – for more information visit the Facebook page.
Artwork can be dropped off at any of the following locations by 21st April:
- Merry Maid – Forest Road, New Ollerton
- The Curious Monkey – Market Place, Ollerton Village
- Sherwood Florist – Forest Road, New Ollerton