St. George’s Day, celebrated on April 23, is gaining popularity across England. In 2026, organizers have listed 161 events—up from 110 in 2025—marking a year-on-year increase of 46%. The rise in celebrations reflects a growing enthusiasm for national pride.

The largest category of celebration consists of pub and bar events, with 64 listings. Festivals follow closely as the second most common event type, boasting 31 listings. Additionally, there are 23 Morris dancing events planned for the day.

Greater London leads the charge with the highest number of events at 29. Essex has 13 events scheduled, while Kent follows with 12. This geographical spread indicates that St. George’s Day is embraced widely throughout various regions.

St. George himself was a Greek soldier who served in the Roman Army around 300 AD. He became a symbol of bravery and martyrdom after his death for Christian beliefs. His legacy continues to resonate today.

April 23 also marks the birthday and death date of William Shakespeare, intertwining English cultural history with this national celebration. The dual significance of this date adds depth to the festivities.

But not everyone sees St. George’s Day as merely a celebration of national identity. Some view it as an opportunity to reclaim symbols associated with patriotism from those who misuse them. “This is what our flag truly represents and it’s time we reclaimed it from extremists who would actually reject many of these values,” said an anonymous speaker reflecting on the day’s importance.

As St. George’s Day approaches, communities prepare for a variety of activities designed to foster unity and pride among residents. The rise in events suggests that interest will continue to grow leading into future years.

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“Thank you to the incredible women that I stand beside,” Jessie Buckley expressed during her acceptance speech at the 98th Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026. Buckley won the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare in the film adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, Hamnet.

The film, directed by Chloé Zhao, brings to life the poignant story of William Shakespeare and his wife, exploring their experiences through the lens of loss. Buckley’s performance has been widely praised, marking a significant moment in her career as she becomes the first Irish woman to win the Best Actress Oscar.

O’Farrell, who attended the ceremony in a striking bright fuchsia gown, has seen her literary work resonate deeply with audiences, especially since Hamnet was originally adapted for the stage in 2023. The emotional depth of the story has translated powerfully to the screen, garnering critical acclaim.

During her speech, Buckley also shared a personal note, saying, “I love you and I love being your mum and I can’t wait to discover life beside you,” referencing her daughter Isla, who is eight years old. Buckley became pregnant with Isla shortly after filming Hamnet, adding a layer of personal connection to her role.

In a heartfelt moment, she dedicated her award to the “beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart,” coinciding with Mother’s Day in the UK. Buckley expressed her gratitude to her family and partner, highlighting the support that has been crucial throughout her journey.

As the night unfolded, Buckley’s win not only celebrated her talent but also shone a spotlight on O’Farrell’s impactful storytelling. The adaptation of Hamnet continues to resonate with audiences, bridging literature and film in a meaningful way.

Looking ahead, the success of Hamnet may pave the way for further adaptations of O’Farrell’s works, as the film’s emotional narrative and strong performances have set a high standard in cinematic storytelling.

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