PATRIOTIC Lancastrians will be out in force to celebrate St George’s Day this weekend.

Events, including a medieval day, are expected to take place across the area to mark the event, which falls today.

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Highlights from the weekend include the middle ages-themed day in Darwen, distribution of red roses to ladies in Blackburn and combat displays at Clitheroe Castle.

Visitors to Darwen’s Market Square with be taken back to the days of jousting and jesters on Saturday for Darwen Town Council’s annual St George’s Day celebrations.

The entertainment starts with the opening ceremony and a presentation by the Mayor at 11am and closes at 3pm with a Singalong with the Daisy Belle Dumsday.

Other highlights include a Punch and Judy show and travelling minstrels while once again the town will receive a visit from St George and the Dragon.

Leader of the council Pete Hollings is expected to be in the stocks and people will be given the opportunity to give him a soaking.

He said: “I am very much looking forward to the St George’s Day event this year. The hard work from organisers this year promises to give us a great opportunity to celebrate our national day with themes aimed at entertaining children and adults alike.

“I am particularly pleased that Steve Potter and Gwen Sangster from our market are again organising this event for Darwen residents and look forward to seeing many people visiting our town centre shops.”

Also on Saturday the Royal Society of St George Blackburn and East Lancs branch will be in Blackburn to hand out red roses to ladies in the town.

The group is handing out the silk roses for free to raise awareness of the day.

On Friday visitors to The Spread Eagle in Sawley can join in with festivities as the pub holds a celebratory supper with entertainment from Clitheroe Town Band. The night kicks off at 7pm and costs £9.95.

Clitheroe Castle will be holding a number of St George’s Day themed activities during the weekend including a dragon hunt, fancy dress and the chance to watch combat displays and handle weapons.

A number of parades will also be taking place, including one through Accrington from noon to 2pm on Sunday as well as in Clitheroe on the same day.

The weather for the weekend is expected to be unsettled, with the sunshine from the start of the week turning to rain.