Saturday sees the return of the St George’s Day celebrations around Sittingbourne High Street.

A fun-filled programme has been planned by members of the town’s retail association.

From 11am to 4pm, visitors can expect various events, including a tug-of-war, fairground rides and a classic car show.

Members of the Avenue Theatre group will perform a series of plays featuring tales of the dragon-slaying hero.

Local musicians The Key Street Band will be perform outside the George and Dragon pub to add to the festivities, as will a hog roast, while an Armed Forces wagon will sell traditional snacks.

Visitors to Bailey’s Coffee Shop and Sandwich Bar will have a chance to win a dragon cake by taking part in a raffle.

The fun will begin at 11am when Mayor of Swale Cllr Sue Gent officially opens proceedings at the Bargeman statue.

She will then be escorted around the High Street by the Sittingbourne Carnival Court and members of the Royal Society of the Order of St George as she inspects shop window displays and classic car show entrants.

From 1pm dance group Yak will be forming near the Bargeman followed at 2pm by belly dancing displays in honour of St George’s Middle East roots and patronage by countries such as Iraq, Israel and Lebanon.

There will be live music outside The Bull pub as well as a St John Ambulance demonstration and fire engine on show.

The Sittingbourne Heritage Museum and the Old Forge Wartime House, both in nearby East Street, will be open.

Organisers are appealing for pubs, clubs or groups to enter the tug of war competition.

Teams, which can be male, female or mixed, must be made up of seven adults aged over 18.

Registration will take place at the Bargeman at 11.15am. For more information, email info@swalecommunity centres.org.uk.

Chief co-ordinator Sara Seabridge said if this year’s event is a success, celebrations could be extended over two days in 2015.

She said: “This is a chance for the public to support their town centre, support their borough and support their community.

“There’s going to be plenty to do and plenty to eat, so bring your family and all your friends.”

Free flags will be given out to visitors, and swords and shields will be available to buy.

St George’s Day celebrations were a fixture of Sittingbourne’s calendar until 2011, but they were suspended due to a lack of volunteers. The retail association is hoping for support to help make the day as successful as possible.

At The Forum: 11am to 11.20am Swale Sings choir; 11.20am to 11.35am CREATIVEdge juniors theatre school; 11.45am to noon and 1.10pm to 1.20pm Avenue Theatre Productions; 12.10pm to 12.30pm and from 12.40pm to 1pm Tumblin’ Dice; 1.30pm to 1.40pm and 2.10pm to 2.20pm Katie McQay; 1.45pm to 2pm CREATIVEdge seniors theatre school; 2.30pm to 2.50pm The Crownless Kings.