More than 700 people are expected to take part in the event on Sunday, as dozens of colourful floats go from Miles Platting to the city centre and back to salute England's patron saint.
The procession will feature St George and his knights as well as the dragon - being made by pupils from Plant Hill Arts College in Blackley. The Sealed Knot civil war re-enactment group will appear with knights and damsels from Nicholas Varley School to add a touch of medieval chivalry.
Shire horses, morris dancers, belly dancers and jazz and swing bands will join the spectacular line-up.
The parade, which will be opened by lord mayor David Sandiford and starts in Varley Street at noon, is the highlight of a weekend of celebrations. There will be a market selling the best of English food and crafts in Piccadilly Gardens tomorrow alongside a junior town crier competition.
St George, it is said, was a young soldier executed for refusing to persecute Christians. Legend says he slayed the dragon to save a Libyan princess chosen as a sacrifice. St George's Day always falls on April 23 but is also celebrated on the nearest weekend to it.
Graham Stringer, Labour MP for Manchester Blackley, and John Leech and Mark Hunter, Lib Dem MPs for Withington and Cheadle respectively, have signed a motion in parliament calling for St George's Day to become a holiday.
david.ottewell@men-news.co.uk
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Can this be right. The council actually doing something for the indiginous population? I'm still in a state of shock!!!
Wasn't ST george greek?
I caught the "half time" (on Oldham St) part of the parade last year and it brought a lump to my throat to see so many people of all races clapping and cheering the parade as it went by. I'm going to try and join it at the start this year.
qwarky, oldham: George's Turkish, and brought up a Palestinian. Hmm, that may explain why *belly-dancing* is one of the highlights? Someone please enlighten me if it is considered English.
Pravda. Have you forgotten that there are council elections due in a couple of weeks. Am I being cynical ? Is it me or what? Is it Ace's day off?
Pravda. look out for the P.C brigade,.displaying the St Georges flag could be construed as racist.