IT was a cracker of a day when Dudley Council held its St George’s Day celebrations in Halesowen at the weekend.

The Mayor of Dudley officially opened the festivities on Saturday which included performances by the Sedgley Morris Men and the Halesowen Scout Band.

Maggie O’Hara led a patriotic sing-a-long in Somers Square, followed by performances by the Lauren Dion School of Dance, Pure Harmony choir, Rock Choir and Coseley Comets, while the Theatre of Alchemy enchanted visitors with their baby dragon puppets.

There were more than 15 entries to the Great Halesowen Bake-Off with winning entries receiving a certificate from the main stage and a voucher for afternoon tea for two at the Red Cone Coffee House.

Cornbow Hall was packed to the rafters with people taking part in a free tea dance, with entertainment provided by Avril Watkins and Maggie O’Hara.

Halesowen Library provided a day full of activities, with youngsters making medieval sword and badges, taking part in puppet storytelling sessions and having a go at dressing up in medieval outfits.

There was also children’s fairground rides, craft activities with Dudley Council’s Juniors at Museums Club, face painting, a birds of prey display by Skyhunters and nostalgic tunes played on a vintage barrel organ rounded off the day.

Then on Sunday at St John’s Parish Church in Halesowen nearly 300 Scouts aged between six and 18, together with their leaders and many parents, held their annual St. George’s Day celebration.

Following a parade from the Halesowen Police Station, the Scouts were joining by The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Margaret Aston, The Mayor’s Consort, Councillor Adam Aston, Parliamentary candidates James Morris and Stephanie Peacock and several Dudley Councillors, for the service led by The Rev. Dominic Melville.

The service included Beavers, Cubs and Scouts and included the young people making sheep and wolf cries at the direction of Rev. Melville.

The Mayor presented St. George’s Day Awards for exceptional service to Trina Strangwood and Maurice Chatwin who between they have over 90 years of service to the Scout Movement.

After the service the parade reformed in Somers Square for the traditional three cheers for England and St. George and were played out by The Halesowen Scout Band.