Witney is preparing for three days of events this spring as the Town Council brings together an exciting programme of St George’s Day celebrations designed to bring the whole community together.

Things begin on Thursday 23rd April, St George’s day with a traditional flag raising and official town cry at the Town Hall marking the start of the celebrations.

We then continue over the weekend. Witney and District Museum are hosting one of their popular family activity days, this time inviting children and families to unleash their imagination building their own dragon on Saturday 25th.

On Sunday 26th the focus shifts to the Market Square where you can expect a lively tribute to English heritage, complete with traditional music and food, and a strong sense of local pride. Bunting will hang in the Market Square where a packed programme of family-friendly events will be taking place.

There’s a St George themed guided walk at 11am with local historian Sonia. The White Wool, Red Cross walk will set off from Market Square and take in a tour of historic sites and tales of local heroes, rounded off with free refreshments in 1863 cafe at the end.

Why not pop into 1863 café to admire the winning entries from Witney’s primary schools who have entered the Town Council’s ‘If Witney Had a Dragon’ drawing competition.  We challenged them to produce artwork of their imagined dragon and we can’t wait to see what they have come up with. Is it friendly or fierce, big or small and most importantly, can it fly and breathe fire?

Meanwhile, the Market Square will come alive with street games including ball skills and kids crafting tables and quizzes. At 1pm there will be a chance to meet frontline emergency service crews and see their vehicles up close, as the town takes a moment to offer them a warm welcome, as we celebrate and thank them for all they do in the town.

Throughout the day, we’ll have music from Witney Vocals, the Township Waites, and Witney Guitar Club. Windrush Radio will keep spirits high as they compere, guiding visitors through a day filled with activities, and celebration and those occasional quiz questions to keep everyone on their toes.  They will also be announcing the winner of the Best Shop Window in the Chamber of Commerce competition.

Finally, no celebration could be complete without some tasty food. Visitors can indulge in classic favourites like bangers and mash, fish and chips, and strawberries and cream—perfectly capturing the flavour of a traditional English celebration.

Join us for a fantastic day of free family fun!