FIRE EATING and a flea circus were among attractions at this year’s St George’s Day celebrations in Keighley.

The festivities lasted three days in the town centre with a flagship event on Saturday at Church Green.

The grassed area outside Keighley Shared Church was turned over a variety of street entertainers for all ages.

The performances were boosted by an outdoor market on Low Street, which lasted from Thursday to Saturday.

Keighley Town Council again funded the event, while the market was provided by Bradford Council.

A town council spokesman said entertainment was centred around Shakespearian times, to honour the 400th anniversary of England’s greatest playwright William Shakespeare.

Town councillors including Mick Westerman sat in the mediaeval stocks.

She said: “Included was a 16th century Flea Circus with shows throughout the day along with traditional Punch and Judy shows.

“A court jester also provided lots of entertainment with circus skills workshops on the Green. “Peter the Historical Musician brought along a variety of medieval instruments to play amongst the public.”

Children were well catered for with face-painting throughout the day, as well as unlimited use of a mega inflatable fun slide.

Mingling with the local people who went along to the St George’s celebrations was Keighley town mayor Javaid Akhtar.

He said: “The event was thoroughly enjoyable and the entertainment popular with a steady stream of people attending throughout the day, which was fantastic to see.

“We enjoyed being able to honour Shakespeare on this day as well and the town council looks forward to building on this great event year on year.”

The Keighley News proclaimed through

When the town council announced the St George’s celebrations it proclaimed a host of attractions, including a hog roast, music and medieval re-enactments.

St George is the patron saint of England and his cross forms the national flag, as well as being part of the Union Flag of the UK.

He was a Roman soldier and military officer in the Guard of Emperor Diocletian, who was put to death for failing to recant his Christian faith.

As a Christian martyr, he later became one of the most venerated saints in Christianity.

His parents may have been Christians, either from a noble Roman family or with a Greek background.

He was immortalised in the myth of Saint George and the Dragon, and numerous countries, cities, and organisations claim him as their patron.