THIS year’s annual St George’s Day celebrations will be held at Dudley’s medieval castle and market place.

Dudley Council and Dudley Zoo have teamed up to host a fantastic day of family fun on Saturday April 23.

The event to celebrate England's national day will kick off at 3pm in the 11th century castle’s courtyard and activities will include medieval re-enactors, children’s entertainers Flip and Dippy, face painting and crafts.

There will also be extra talks and feeds at the penguin and sea lion enclosures for families to enjoy.

History talks and ghost tours will be taking place throughout the afternoon and St George’s Day themed refreshments will be available from the Queen Mary restaurant.

During the morning, people will be able to visit the town centre market and meet creatures from the zoo’s popular animal encounters feature.

There will also be a free craft activity for children at Dudley Museum and Art Gallery from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Dudley Library will also be hosting a craft activity from 10.30am to 11.30am.

Councillor Steve Waltho, Mayor of Dudley, said: “This is a first for us, and we’re really excited to be working together with our neighbour to host this year’s St George’s Day.

"The medieval setting is the perfect location to celebrate the legend of St George and to attract people into the town centre.

"I hope people from across the borough come along and enjoy the day.”

Derek Grove, zoo director, added: “We’re delighted to be working alongside Dudley Council in celebrating St George’s Day this year.

“We’ve got lots of activities taking place in the courtyard in the shadows of the St George’s flag, which will be flying atop one of the Midlands' best-loved landmarks - a proud tradition here at Dudley Zoo.”