Calls for St George's Day Bank Holiday

Reporter: Jan Harwood
Date online: 23 April 2009

As businesses and communities in Rochdale celebrate St George's Day today (Thursday 23 April), calls have been made for the patron saint's day to be made a Bank Holiday.

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen and Rochdale Council leader Councillor Alan Taylor have seen flags flying across the town today and have renewed their calls for St George's Day to become a Bank Holiday.

Mr Rowen is backing an all-party group of MPs, who are calling on the Government to properly celebrate England's patron saint's day.

Mr Rowen said: "I know that the Government are looking closely at our proposals and it is only right that we should celebrate in the way that other countries do. Scotland and Ireland already have a Bank Holiday to mark their national day and it's high time that we did too.

"The day of our patron saint is an opportunity for all the people of Rochdale to celebrate our heritage, values and traditions.

"The Government will be looking to include an extra bank holiday next year and I think celebrating St. George's Day should be at the head of the queue.

"Rumours abound of an X-Factor-style public vote and I am confident that people will vote for this as our campaign is gathering real momentum."

Council Leader Alan Taylor said: "I would certainly back the campaign for a Bank Holiday. We do make an effort for St George's Day and are always looking to do more."