Sadiq Khan has announced a St George’s Day festival celebration in Trafalgar Square but it will take place nearly a week before the actual day.
The national day of England, which is traditionally celebrated on April 23 to commemorate the death of the patron saint, will instead be honoured on Sunday, April 19.
Sir Sadiq confirmed the event on social media: “Save the date: celebrate St George’s Day in the heart of London.
“Join us in Trafalgar Square for a free, family-friendly festival celebrating the best of English culture with live music and performances.”
Celebrations at the free event will last throughout the afternoon, starting at 12pm and lasting until 6pm.
The Mayor of London’s website described the occasion as “vibrant” and highlighted the importance of the event’s “diversity”.
“Organised by the Mayor of London, the event celebrates England’s heritage and the diversity of Londoners – welcoming people of all backgrounds, faiths and communities.
“We look forward to welcoming you to St George’s Day on the Square 2026.”
Sadiq Khan has announced a St George’s Day celebration in Trafalgar Square – some four days before the actual date
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Last year’s event saw live performances from Harleymoon Kemp, Matilda Gracia, and The Nigel Grice Jazz Collective.
Belles of London City, a Ceilidh from Cut a Shine, and English Folk Dance and Song Society comprised the line-up that was described as “traditional English acts”.
Looking to this year, the London Mayor delivered a direct message to Londoners who may attend the event.
“Ask people what it means to be English, and you might hear the following,” he said.
Sir Sadiq Khan directly addressed Britons ahead of St George’s Day 2026
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“It’s fish and chips on a Sunday roast. It’s Shakespeare and The Beatles, Jane Austen and Ada Lovelace, Wimbledon and Wembley. It’s our love of queuing, our incessant apologising, and the way we always have something to say about the weather.
“The truth is, it’s all these things and so much more. England is a tapestry made up of different cultures, faiths, histories and ideas woven together to tell one story.
“Our patron saint was a soldier and a dragon slayer who stood up for what he believed in.
“For me, that goes to the heart of what it means to be English. We stand up for what we believe in, even when it’s not easy.
“And as we witness the rise of populism and prejudice around the world, it’s more important than ever that we stand up for our values of democracy, decency, fairness and respect.
“So let’s celebrate these today, and all it means to be English.”
Trafalgar Square and Mr Khan also hosted the “biggest Iftar in the Western world” earlier this month, where he hailed the “power of being Muslim”.
The London Mayor praised the capital’s diversity – a similar message to the one he shared when turning on the Ramadan lights in February.
The event came under controversy, however, after Shadow Justice Secretary described it as “a declaration of domination”.