Flagman’s world of flags

But Preston Council’s civic and democratic committee admits it has got to find £8,000 to pay for events, including a town crier and brass band competition, street theatre and a Lancashire food market.

The council was blasted for failing to arrange a single event to celebrate the day last year, which was eventually marked with mayor John Swindells handing out red roses on the city’s Flag Market.

Committee chairman Coun Bill Tyson said: “St George’s Day is an important day and yet we have been very subdued about celebrating it in Preston.

“You look at places like Blackburn, Lytham and even Lostock Hall and they managed to put events on, so why can’t we?

“We are looking at a number of things we can do to mark the day and hopefully we can find a bit of money in the coffers to pay for it.”

The events are planned for Saturday, April 17, the weekend before the patron saint’s day, which falls on Friday, April 23 this year.

Preston town crier Mike Chapman, 65, of Leyland, said criers in other Lancashire towns, including Garstang and Clitheroe, could provide some competition.

He said: “It needs to be a proper competition though, because they do not just turn up to anything – but I think St George’s Day is certainly a day worth celebrating.

“I was a gunner in the Army for 40 years, so I am a patriot through and through.”