New programme of activities for Newark District Scouts' St George's Day celebrations

Newark District Scouts will mark St George’s Day with a programme of activities led by young people, instead of the traditional church service.

Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer groups from across the district will meet at Newark Library for their annual St George’s Day parade, starting at 11am on Sunday.

The parade will follow a new route, along Baldertongate and Bridge Street to the Market Place.

An awards ceremony will be held to recognise the achievements of the district’s Scouts ­— including the presentation of multiple chief Scout awards ­— in front of the Town Hall.

After the parade is dismissed at noon, Scouts and their families will be invited to a picnic in the grounds of Newark Castle where the Scout band will perform.

From 12.30pm a showcase of Scouting will be held at Riverside Park, with each group offering a different activity including Live Monopoly, cooking, pioneering and crafts.

The new approach to St George’s Day is being led by the young people themselves.

Deputy district commissioner for the young people Tilly Muller said: “This year it has a modern approach. It has been completely designed by the young people, so we have dropped the church service and are going for more of a showcase of scouting.”