No-one in London seems to care about St George’s Day

To celebrate St George’s Day, we hit the streets of London to ask if people knew about this joyous occasion.

We love patriotism

To put it simply, they had no idea.

Not a fucking clue.

Richard, went to Brunel

Would it surprise you to know it’s St George’s Day?

I had no idea.

Do you know who St George is?

Fuck knows.

Have you heard the story about St George slaying the Dragon?

Maybe in primary school, but that was a while ago.

Should it be a bigger thing similar to St Patrick’s Day?

Well I’ve never heard about this thing, but I guess it should be better known.

Do you feel a sense of national shame people don’t know about it?

Wouldn’t go that far, but its a bit of a shame.

Omar, wearing a shell

Do you know what day it is?

Like, Thursday the 22nd April?

Do you know who St George is?

I know him, not personally. I’ve been in a hospital named after him? I know he beat the dragon and saved the princess.

Should St George’s Day be a bigger thing, similar to St Patrick’s Day?

St Patrick’s Day is more of an alcoholic day, so that’s a way to get people involved. If St George had more alcohol then I think people would care.

Do you feel a sense of national shame people don’t know about it?

No, it’s not very relevant to me, but maybe it would matter more to someone who knows the story better

Halina, went to SOAS

Do you know what day it is today?

Erm, like the 22nd? It’s not Earth Day is it?

Would it surprise you to know it’s St George’s Day?

Oh my God, I didn’t know. I feel a bit bad.

Do you know who St George is?

St George, yeah he wasn’t actually English, he was Lithuanian or something. I know he slayed the dragon and stuff. I’m not really that into my English pride. I’m more or a St Patrick’s Day girl!

Should it be a bigger thing similar to St Patrick’s Day?

I guess there are stereotypes that the Irish are jolly and like a drink. It’s an easy thing for people to get on board with, even if you’re not Irish.

Do you feel a sense of national shame people don’t know about it?

I think it’s a shame people don’t really celebrate it now, even though I’m not etnically english. I think it’s a hot topic about colonialism and the history of it isn’t great.

The Irish and Welsh have their days, and there’s Burns Night, but I don’t think St George’s Day is attached to another symbol really. It’s just about the flag which has become synonymous with nationalism and fascism, Things like the EDL.

Sam, went to London South Bank

Would it surprise you to know it’s St George’s day

I had no idea.

Do you know who St George is?

I’ve heard of him but I’m not really sure

Should it be a bigger thing similar to St Patrick’s Day?

The main thing for St Patrick’s Day is drinking, people have more fun. I don’t know what St George’s Day is for.

Do you feel a sense of national shame people don’t know about it?

It’s a tragedy for people not to know. It would be nice if it was celebrated as some sort of religious thing. But it definitely needs more drinking.

Sandra, pub owner on Brick Lane

Do you know what today is?

St George’s Day.

Do you know who Saint George is?

Patron Saint of England right? Very English.

Do you know any traditions that people have on St George’s Day?

There’s lots of horses and swords. Years ago we used to have street parties, but that’s all died.

Does it surprise you to know you’re the only person we’ve asked who knew it was St George’s day?

Really?! That’s terrible, an absolute tragedy. I’m so patriotic.

How can we make it more well known like St Patrick’s Day?

Let’s get hold of Boris because he’s brilliant and I know he’ll do things. Let’s get the election out the way and I’m sure he’ll help organise things. I’ll help!