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'We all love a bit of dragon-slaying of a weekend': Bath celebrates St George's Day

Passers-by were treated to very English entertainment in Bath today in anticipation of St George's Day next week. The event in Abbey Church Yard saw St George slaying the dragon, in a performance by the Widcombe Mummers, while women's Morris dancing group Mr Wilkins' Shilling also entertained the crowds. Musicians were also on hand for the occasion, with the sunny weather meaning dozens of people stopped to watch the colourful event – even if it left some of them a little bemused. Tina Notzold stopped to watch the display but wondered what it was all about. She said: "I am from Germany and have been in Bristol for two weeks and wanted to come to Bath and also travel around the south west like Cornwall and Devon. "I don't know what it (the event) is to celebrate but it is very nice." Once the Chronicle explained the event to her she gave it the thumbs up. Darryl Lane from Bournemouth said he enjoyed the spectacle as he didn't tend to celebrate St George's Day. He said: "I think it is great. St George's Day normally goes by without me noticing." Councillor Rob Appleyard, chairman of B&NES Council, was on hand to support the celebrations – although he drew the line at joining in with the Morris dancers. He said: "B&NES Council likes to liven up the city centre with events and this marks the start of our spring season when we welcome visitors from all over the UK and abroad. "This performance of St George and the Dragon is an entertaining and colourful way to celebrate our culture and we hope that shoppers will join in the fun, after all we all love a bit of dragon-slaying on a weekend. "I think it is brilliant and part of the rich tapestry of Bath." The council will mark St George's Day by flying flags above public buildings, including the Guildhall, on Tuesday.

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