Flag goes up at City Hall as London celebrates St George's Day

London is marking St George's Day by raising the English flag at City Hall ahead of a fantastic musical celebration, backed by the Greater London Authority, in Trafalgar Square on Saturday.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: 'As well as marking the extraordinary life of a Cappadocian merchant, Saint George's Day is an opportunity to celebrate our country’s many achievements. Our small island, sitting at the confluence of European cultures, has a rich heritage whose influence on language, art, learning, and politics - to name but a few - has been felt right across the globe.

'As we raise the flag for our metaphorical dragon-slaying patron saint, we can be rightly proud of the ingenuity, creativity, and wit of our fellow countrymen and forebears who have made our country the place that it is.'

Saturday's musical extravaganza in Trafalgar Square is free and kicks off at 1pm. It features a variety of music, old and new, highlighting the enduring musical contribution that England - and London in particular - have brought to the world.

It includes a headlining set from legendary rock and roller Joe Brown and his band, plus special performances by talented young musicians from across the capital, including last year's Rhythm of London Busking Underground winners. There is even a chance to sing along to rousing music hall songs selected for their London associations – song sheets are being provided and all are encouraged to join in!

The Mayor added: 'From Henry Purcell to the Rolling Stones to Lily Allen and The Clash, London has been at the centre of music that continues to excite and inspire people around the world. What better place to celebrate our abiding musical heritage than amidst the iconic surroundings of Trafalgar Square.'

The St George's Day concert also marks the climax of this year's Rhythm of London, a week long series of events where young musicians have the chance to pitch up and play at one of London Underground’s sought after busking pitches.

Young singers and musicians, schools and music groups will be playing an eclectic mix of musical styles, ranging from folk to steel pan to Glee-style power ballads. They include 17-year-old saxophonist Tyler Rix, who landed a £1m record contract with Universal music after reaching the finals of BBC Two's Classical Star. The line up also includes F-IRE Collective Rhythms of the City Samba Band, Sir John Cass All Stars, Jonathan Chan (violin), Ark Schools' Scholarship Choir and Croydon Young Musicians Ceilidh Band. Hounslow Wind Band will be playing a repertoire of familiar numbers – but like you've never heard them before.

Next up will be 23-year-old Tooting guitarist Jamie West, winner of last year's competition to find London's best young busker, along with runners-up Chris Read and double act Kieron Brunt and Patrick Milne.

The city's Victorian music hall traditions will come to life as artists from the Players' Theatre and students from the Royal Academy of Music treat revellers to 100 year old numbers, including 'I live in Trafalgar Square' and 'Let's all go down the Strand'. Adding further colour are the Lion's part theatre company presenting the St George and the Dragon show.

Bringing the day to an upbeat finale is British guitar pioneer Joe Brown, together with Pete Brown, Phil Capaldi, Roland Jones, and Mike Nichols and a unique blend of rock, pop and roots music. Raised in London's East End, Joe Brown had his first hit in 1960, headlined above even The Beatles. He recently celebrated 50 years in the music business with a sell-out show at the Royal Albert Hall.

To add to the festivities, Southwark street theatre group The Lions Part will be recounting the legendary tale of St George's slaying of the dragon on the square throughout the afternoon. ENDS

Event: St George's Day concert

Date: Saturday 24 April 2010

Time: 1pm-6pm

Location: Trafalgar Square

Entry: FREE – ALL WELCOME

Information:     www.london.gov.uk/priorities/art-culture/festivals-and-events/st-georges-day / www.london.gov.uk/rhythmoflondon

Running order: (may be subject to change) for the afternoon is:

Notes to editors

1.      The St George's Day event is free and open to all. It is also the climax of Rhythm of London, a week long celebration of music-making, beginning on Saturday 17 April and culminating in the Trafalgar Square concert. For more information go to www.london.gov.uk/rhythmoflondon.

2.      Joe Brown grew up in London’s East End where his mother ran a local pub. He grew up with skiffle and at 19 was the resident guitarist on Jack Good’s ground breaking TV show Boy Meets Girls. He had his first hit in 1960 and even headlined above The Beatles (amongst others).

He recently celebrated 50 years in the music business with a sell out show at the Royal Albert Hall and a gold disc (sales of 100,000) for his 'Very Best Of' CD.  An MBE and a MOJO Lifetime Achievement Award recipient (2009), Joe has inspired and been acclaimed by many guitarists - George Harrison, Mark Knopfler, Keith Richards, Jeff Beck to name but a few. He is credited as the man who gave Hank Marvin the echo unit that gave the Shadows their distinctive sound.His show-stopping performance at the George Harrison Tribute concert in 2002 with "I’ll See You In My Dreams" was both memorable and moving and last year Joe launched his own brand of signature ukuleles.

Joe Brown media enquiries – contact Judy Totton Publicity on 020 7371 8158/8159. Email judy@judytotton.com

3.      This year's Rhythm of London Busking Underground competition also takes place on Saturday 24 April. Prizes include a TfL busking licence, guitars, studio time, live gigs and more. To view last year's finalists visit www.youtube.com/user/Rhythmoflondon.

4.      Rhythm of London is part of a wider campaign to increase opportunities for young Londoners to participate in music and learn to play musical instruments. The 'Making Music Matter', Music Education Strategy for London, was launched on 2 March. This two-year dedicated music education programme, being undertaken in partnership with a range of key agencies, boroughs, charities and music organisations aims to improve the provision of music education across the capital. For more information go to: www.london.gov.uk/priorities/art-culture/access-and-participation.