Preparations for this year’s St George’s Day celebrations are well under way.

Next Saturday, April 22, will see Sittingbourne High Street and Central Avenue transformed into a feast of red and white filled with colourful characters and family fun.

Mayor of Swale, Cllr Lesley Ingham, will open the festivities at 11am before handing over to everyone from morris dancers to gymnasts and much more.

Running until 4pm on the eve of the official Saint’s day, there will be appearances from the Scouts, Cadets and the annual tug-of-war.

The St George’s Day celebrations have been held in the town centre since 2003 when they were set up by the manager of Woolworths, but had a two-year break in 2011 and 2102 due to a lack of volunteers.

Coming back after two years away are Dead Horse Morris, based in Whitstable.

Sara Seabridge, events organiser at Sittingbourne Retail Association, said: “Hopefully we’ll have no rain this year as we experienced all four seasons in one day last time.

“The town crier, Richard Spooner, will be there, we’ll have a parade, tug-of-war, dancing, traditional plays, and street performances.

“I’m very excited and we’ve really missed Dead Horse Morris these last two years.”

The main arena will be in Central Avenue and is where the tug of war and performances are due to take place.

As well as all of the entertainment, there will be stalls selling everything from rare meats to Caribbean food and hog roast.