York – Hundreds of children march in St George’s Day parade

Members of York Scouts and Girlguiding groups met for an annual procession and celebration in the city centre, walking a loop from York Minster, through city centre foot streets this afternoon (April 26).

Many of the city centre streets were closed to traffic as crowds cheered and waved along the procession route, for a parade said to be one of the largest in the country.

The parade through the city centre would be repeated after two services in the city centre (Image: Kevin Glenton)

After the first event, which began at 1.20pm, Squirrels, Beavers and Rainbows attended a service at Central Methodist Church in St Saviourgate, with the Lord Mayor greeting all others before a service in York Minster.

Claire Scott, 1st Heworth Group leader, said: “It’s a beautiful day, our Beavers and Squirrels really enjoyed their service at the Central Methodist Church.

“It was really tailored towards their ages (four to eight).

“They are very excited about the upcoming procession because we’re going off with the older groups.”

Jimmy was bearing the flag for the Beavers in the group in the parade and said it made him feel proud to be leading them, and Harry, doing the same on behalf of the group’s Squirrels, said it was exciting.

1st Heworth Scout Group and leaders (Image: Kevin Glenton)

Anne Newby, a leader at Haxby Brownies and Guides has been involved in more than 40 York St George’s Day parades since she first joined in with a group from Acomb as a guide.

She said her group were “letting off a little bit of steam” after the first procession and service, as they waited in Dean’s Park for a second parade to begin.

Anne said: “For some of them, it’s their very first time.

“For the others, they always seem to enjoy it – after two minutes in, everyone is fine.

Leaders from Haxby Brownies and Guides and those from Rawcliffe and Strensall, along with Rangers (Image: Kevin Glenton)

Eleven-year-old Orla carried the flag for Haxby Brownies and Guides and said she was “really proud to represent my Guide unit and although the flag was a little heavy to carry at times it was definitely worth it.”

James Meredith, a leader at 1st Copmanthorpe Scout Group, said: “It’s a lovely service and great to see so many sections across the community in the Minster.

“The group has been surprised at how many people have been out to see them and gave a sense of the scale of the organisation to which they belong.”

Drummers rang out across the length of this year’s parade (Image: Kevin Glenton)

Squirrels and Beavers joined the rest of the group for a second procession on the same city centre loop after both services.