Gallery: ST GEORGE'S DAY: Thousands flock to March town centre for day of patriotic celebrations

THEY turned out in their thousands to celebrate St George s Day in March, Cambs. The town centre was closed for the day as stall holders and residents joined for an extraordinary and patriotic outpouring. Folk bands, Morris Dances, street organs and even

THEY turned out in their thousands to celebrate St George's Day in March, Cambs.

The town centre was closed for the day as stall holders and residents joined for an extraordinary and patriotic outpouring.

Folk bands, Morris Dances, street organs and even a colourful dragon added to the patriotic fervour as well as stalls tempting in customers with English cheeses, English produce and English fare.

"What a stunning occasion- and a truly great atmosphere" was the comment of town mayor Trevor Quince.

Neville Blackwood, a local businessman and charity stalwart, described the event as "one of the best the town has had. I'm delighted March is celebrating St George's Day."

Fenland District Council markets manager Mike Chapman co-ordinated the event which could now become an annual fixture.

Council leader Geoff Harper said: "I visited the event at lunchtime and thought it a splendid occasion. I'm delighted that the council helped to make it happen- and pleased so many charities took part and gave it their support."

Vivien, the vintage fire engine from Wisbech, occupied pride of place in Broad Street together with a display from the vintage cycle club whose members toured the streets ion period costume.

There was also praise, too, for the organisers of a fun fair who kept all rides fixed at �1.

One resident, Chris Trueman, emailed us full of praise for the day and said "what a fantastic turn out for the St George Day celebrations.

"A great deal of effort was put into it by the organisers who they deserve a lot of praise.

"We have asked for it, we have been given it. We are the only home nation which doesn't celebrate our Patron Saint.

"So let's keep it. Looking forward to next year already. Well done."

St George's Fayre is the fourth in Fenland District Council's sponsored series of Four Seasons events being held in the area's main towns.

Wisbech has a winter event in the shape of a Christmas Market; Whittlesey has an autumn one and Chatteris has its Medieval Festival in the summer.

Numerous March groups and organisations joined forces with the district and town councils to organise the event.

A letter from Liz Doe

My husband and I have only lived in March for the past 4 years or so but came here from Cambridge because we liked the small town feel of the place. We have been constantly amazed at how friendly everyone is (including staff in shops which these days is quite unusual) and have been saddened over the past few months to see so many empty shops and the town beginning to get an unloved look about it. Yesterday it was really good to see so many people come out to enjoy themselves.