DRAGONS and knights are set to gallop their way through the streets of Swindon at the annual St George’s Day parade next month.

Hoping to slay a dragon on Sunday, April 23, St George, joined by festival host the mischievous court jester and live bands, will take over Wharf Green from 11am.

There will also be traditional children’s games, balloon modelling, face-painting prizes and juggling medieval knights on stilts

A parade organised by inSwindon Bid will start at the Town Hall at 12.30pm with fancy dress and English flags welcomed.

A special free Arts & Crafts Zone will be located at Central Library from 11.00am – 12:15pm, where children can make their very own knight shields for the parade.

Budding performers are also urged to showcase their skills live on stage for the Best of Swindon Talent competition due to be held during the St George’s Day festival.

All dancers, singers, actors, illusionists, comedians, bands, contortionists, musicians and even jugglers can submit an application for the annual talent competition, where eight finalists will battle it out on the main stage.

The competition winner will be chosen by the talent spotting judges and will perform at this year’s Swindon Christmas Lights Switch On, due to be attended by more than 10,000 people. And £250 worth of shopping vouchers will also be up for grabs.

Last year, Phoebe Maddison was crowned the winner with her rendition of Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’. Phoebe is set to return for a special performance to open the competition this year.

Di Powell, inSwindon BID manager, said: “I hope as many people as possible will come along to the town centre and celebrate St. George’s Day. The day will be full of free activities and entertainment for all the family to enjoy.”

“Don’t forget to join the St. George’s procession at 12:30pm outside the town hall ,you can wear fancy dress on the theme of Knights, Dragons and Princesses and bring along your England flags to celebrate”.

“The town centre retailers will have a number of ‘Best of British’ promotions on offer. Plus, the ‘Knights Shield Competition’ is sure to be a hit with families”

“If you haven’t already, we urge you to enter the ‘Best of Swindon Talent Competition’ as time is now running out. Last year’s winner Phoebe Maddison was incredible and we can’t wait for her to open the competition for 2017. This is an ideal opportunity for the people of Swindon to showcase their talents. This competition has seen contestants go on to national competitions”.

To enter, upload your entry performance via YouTube or Vimeo and send inSwindon the link through the online entry form by the deadline of 5pm on Friday, March 31.

Te entries will be shortlisted to seven finalists. The eighth finalist will be chosen by members of the public through the inSwindon Facebook page. The act with the most likes will join the other seven finalists live on stage on April 23.

To enter visit inSwindon BID website at swindontowncentre.co.uk/news bestofswindontalentcompetition2017