St George's Day 2017: Top events in the Midlands and Shropshire

Here is our list of the top places to celebrate in the Midlands and Shropshire:

St George's Day celebartions - The Glassworks, Stourbridge

A Stourbridge pub has fun for all the family planned this weekend along with a record attempt as it marks St George's Day

The Glassworks in Audlam Road will have face painting, balloon modelling and a DJ, as well as a special guest appearance from Peppa Pig for youngsters.

The pub is part of the Generous George family of pubs, and during the celebration weekend of April 22 and 23, plans to set a new record for the largest gathering of people named George across all of its sites.

Each adult George showing proof of their name will get a pint, glass of wine or soft drinkwhile young George's will get a free ice-cream. The pub is also calling on Georgies, Georginas, Georgias and even Mr and Mrs George to stand up and be counted.

Shakespeare Day and St George's Day celebrations - Tipton Library

Staff, friends and volunteers will celebrate the birthdays of William Shakespeare and Saint George at a Black Country library.

The event will take place at Tipton Library on April 22 from 10.30am until 12.30pm. The Mayor of Sandwell will be in attendance along with a special performance by the Tipton Community Choir at 11.00am.

There will also be face painting and crafts for children and a toy sale. The event is free to attend.

For more information, call 0121 557 1796.

St George's Day parade and slaying of the dragon - Newport

A town's St George's Day celebrations will take place from April 22 to April 23.

The eighth annual parade in Newport will also see morris dancing and a 'live dragon slaying'.

The celebrations are set for April 22 and will include a road closure on Newport High Street and St Mary's Street from midday to 1.00pm

Councillor Peter Scott said: "We are inviting everyone from across the borough of Telford & Wrekin and beyond to come to Newport and celebrate our patron saint.

"We have morris dancing from 11.00am on The Square, the parade at midday followed by the 'live dragon slaying' at around 12.15pm.

"This year we have a balloon release and a children's fancy dress competition.

"We will also be giving away free samples of the fiery dragon sausages and St George buns. All we need is the weather and the crowds.

"Newport Rotary will set up the Mile of Cash collection on Friday and Saturday collecting for local Newport charities."

Brum Bands Unite celebrating St George's Day - Brirmingham Town Hall

Brum Bands Unite is a St George's Day celebration in support for the Justice for the 21 Campaign on April 23.

The eventwill feature a number of standalone performances from; Quill, Morganisation (Dave Scott Morgan - ELO) who also wrote the 21 Today song in support of the campaign, Steve Gibbons (Balls), Vix and the Mischiefs (Fuzzbox) along with Chris Tye, Bitty McLean and Inspirations Ladies Choir.

Stone Cross St George's Day Parade - West Bromwich

Approximately 10,000 people attended the event last year, and this year Stone Cross once more hosts its legendary parade and afternoon of activities on April 23.

A short service by the Royal British Legion is observed then a fun family fete including fun fairs, craft stalls, re enactments, bouncy castles and more is provided for everyone to enjoy.

1066 MCC St George's Day Parade - Solihull

All bikes, trikes, scooters, cars, trucks and any other vehicle you can think of are welcome to meet on Tesco on the Startford Road for a marshalled parade Shirley High Street.

The parade begins at 6.00pm on April 23 and leads to the Black Swan in Henley-in-Arden where food and drink will be available.

St George's Family Day - Kings Heath Village Square

A true family event, Kings Heath Village Square are set to hold their annual St George's Family Day.

You can expect plenty of children's entertainment, street food, music, arts & crafts and dragon model building.

There will also be a fancy dress competition and painting competition with judging at 3.00pm.

St George's Day Celebrations - Tamworth Castle, Birmingham

To celebrate the patron saint of England, Tamwworth Castle are holding a Medieval experience on April 23.

The day of fun includes living history at the Castle, where visitors can play Medieval games with Lady Freville, learn about Medieval weaponry and armour and have a go at laundry the Medieval way.

In the Castle Grounds there is; have a go archery, spectacular Medieval jousts, a living history encampment, children's Medieval activities, street entertainers and much more.

Entrance to the Castle Grounds is free. Activities in the grounds start at 10.30am.

St George's Day Celebrations - Dudley Zoo

The annual St George's Day festival is set to return to Dudley Zoo promising to be a roaring success.

On April 23 between 3.00pm and 7.00pm Dudley Zoo will host a patriotic extravaganze in the Dudley Castle courtyard complete with medieval re-enactors, dragons, children's entertainers, crafts, story telling and stilt walkers.

There will also be extra talks and feeds at the penguin and sea lion enclosures for families to enjoy and St George's Day themed refreshments will be available from the Queen Mary restaurant.

Zoo Director, Derek Grove, said: "We're delighted to be teaming up with Dudley Council in celebrating the legend of St George again this year and look forward to welcoming borough residents to DZG, for what promises to be another great event."

The tickets which are only valid from 3.00pm cost £2.50 per person. Children 0-2 years are free.

St George's Market - Wem Town Hall

The eighth annual Wem Spring Market, St George's Market, plays host to a bunch of local foods, drinks, crafts and plants on April 22.

The market hosts displays from nearly 40 local groups and traders in two venues in the centre of Wem, selling everything from cider and apple juice, wine and tea, to marmalade and jewellery, unusual plants and meat.

There will be a raffle drawn by the Mayor of Wem, Cllr Rosemary Dodd at the end of the market.