Aylesbury’s St George’s Day Royal Historical Fayre and Parade kicked off the start of Aylesbury Town Council’s free-to-attend event programme for 2023.
On Sunday 23 April, residents had the chance to meet historic royal guests including Queen Victoria, King Henry VIII and King Charles II at Discover Bucks Museum.
Attendees were also treated the hilarious play ‘Right Royal Aylesbury’ created and performed by local theatre company, Unbound Theatre as well as crafts, activities and games which were enjoyed by families.
The Bard of Aylesbury, Gareth Johnson, made his first public appearance in the garden of the museum and opened the event. A bard is a storyteller who represents the creativity and culture of the town they are named after. They are recognised as a historical public figure attending events and special occasions in the town. The Bard of Aylesbury is a project by Queens Park Arts Centre and Aylesbury Town Council.
Ahead of the event, the Town Council introduced ‘visual stories’ for the first time. Visual stories are for residents with neurological diversities. The Town Council published a video with information about the event and what visitors can expect ahead of time, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the family-friendly day.
Morris dancers and St George were in Market Square ahead of the Grand Parade which concluded the celebrations. St George and his lady in waiting led the procession on horseback and were followed by a dragon created by Queens Park Arts Centre, fire dancers from SDSD, Amersham Marching Band and representatives from Aylesbury’s Uniformed Youth including Scouts, Brownies and Military Cadets.
Town Councillors and Town Council representatives were in attendance alongside the Mayor of Aylesbury, Cllr Tim Dixon and invited dignitaries including Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Alexander Boswell accompanied by Mrs Boswell, Chairman of Buckinghamshire Council Cllr Dev Dhillon accompanied by Mrs Dhillon, and Mr Rob Butler MP.
A service was led by Reverend Mark Ackford in Market Square where the town’s Uniformed Youth renewed their oath and the event finished with attendees singing the national anthem.