After sunset on Thursday 23 April, the exterior façade of the Library of Birmingham will be lit up red and white to mark St. George's Day.

St George's Day

St George’s Day takes place every year on 23 April. St George is the patron saint of England.

He is also recognised as a saint in other countries and regions, including Ethiopia, Catalonia and Bulgaria.

The story of St George

St George was a Christian soldier in the Roman army. According to tradition, he was executed for refusing to renounce his faith and later became regarded as a martyr.

He is best known through the legend of St George and the dragon, which symbolises courage and standing up for others.

St George and England

Although St George never visited England, he became the country’s patron saint in the 14th century.

From this time, he was seen as a protector of the English and remains a symbolic figure today.

Article published: 16 April 2026