When we learn about history, all too often England’s social cultural vein is forgotten, yet in reality this historic thread is the very backbone of our social history, one which brought people together in celebration. Today England is a very different country to the one it was centuries or even a few decades ago. However, we are still a social nation, and for growing numbers of people from all backgrounds and even different cultures St.George’s Day is celebrated. It is a day for all the people of England to celebrate, whether their families have lived here for generations or whether England is their new home.
Cultural England was launched on St.George’s Day 2020 as England, along with many countries across the world, was in lockdown due to the Coronavirus. It might seem a challenging time to launch an organisation, especially one which promotes social activity, but the people of England have seen off bigger challenges, and as the old saying goes “There’s no time like the present”. We came into existence as it was felt that whilst there are organisations which help preserve historic buildings and gardens, nothing existed to help preserve our rich vein of social customs and events. Therefore, Cultural England was formed to address this situation.
We are also aware that some more extreme elements may wish to hijack England’s social culture and celebrations for political purposes, excluding some from certain backgrounds. Cultural England does not want this, we want England’s customs and celebrations to be inclusive, for all to celebrate. Others may take a different view, believing any display of what some would call progressive patriotism is wrong, whether its inclusive or not. But Cultural England is not about promoting the pomp and ceremony of England’s imperial past, but more the social and people based customs and celebrations ordinary folk took part in.
To further our aims Cultural England will put together a network of supporters and volunteers to attend events, spread awareness and in some cases actually get involved in preserving or reviving activities. As we have said before, no organisation exists to do this until now. Let’s preserve, promote and restore England’s rich vein of social and cultural activity of yesterday, for all to celebrate today and tomorrow.
We wish everyone a very Happy St.George's Day