England National Day 2027

The date is traditional rather than a state-founding anniversary, and it sits closer to folklore, church history and national symbolism than to modern politics. The story behind Saint George's Day England's national day is Saint George's Day on 23 April, honouring the soldier-saint who became the country's patron.

The red cross appears on flags, bunting and town decorations

England's national day is Saint George's Day on 23 April, honouring the soldier-saint who became the country's patron. The date is traditional rather than a state-founding anniversary, and it sits closer to folklore, church history and national symbolism than to modern politics.

Saint George's cross became strongly associated with England in the Middle Ages, especially through crusading imagery and later royal and military use. The day has never developed into a full public holiday in the same way as some neighbouring national days.

Today it is marked unevenly but visibly: flags on pubs and town halls, local parades, church services, Morris dancing and English food festivals. It is also the date often linked with Shakespeare's birthday and death, adding a literary layer to the day.

• 303Traditional date of Saint George's martyrdom
• 1222St George's Day entered English church calendar
• 1415St George became a military patron symbol

• Celebratednationwide
• CapitalLondon
• Time zoneGMT (UTC+0)

• Currency: British pound
• Language: English
• Driving: on the left
• Capital: London
• Phone: +44
• Emergency: 112
• Electricity: 230 V, 50 Hz, plugs G/D/M