Fronting this year’s march will be a spectacular wheelchair wave of 20 young people, from cerebral palsy charity ‘Scope’. Behind them, local school children from across the city are invited to be part of the parade. Youngsters are asked to group in front of Hove Town Hall on Norton Road between 3:30 and 4pm, with the march starting promptly at 4pm. And because St George represents all that is English, costumes can be anything from a red cross face painting to St. George himself, or even the beautiful princess he rescues.

Entry to the procession is only a pound, and the winner is in for a great prize! But you don’t have to wait around until 4pm for the fun to start. George Street, Hove, will be host to stalls and fun activities for the whole family from 12 noon, with a bouncy castle, tombola, fairground stalls and face painting. Local Theatre group ‘Masquerade’ will tell the story of St George and there will even be the chance to slay a dragon!

Jacqui Dolton, founder of Sparkles and Surprises said ,’We are really pleased that everyone has taken this event for children to their hearts. George Street is the perfect location to host this annual event to celebrate all that is great about being English and a fantastic excuse to dress up and have fun.’ Jacqui went on to say, ‘Everyone can get involved, it’s only £1 to enter the parade and all monies collected will go to help children with complex special needs and their families to have a rare moment of stress free time together. Sparkles and Surprises never rattle tins, we’d rather give you something fun for you money and then if the charity touches your heart, please feel free to donate.’ Special hand waving flags and tombola tickets will be on sale with all profits to the charity.

• St George’s Day Children’s Parade
• Thursday 23rd April 2009
• George Street, Hove
• Stalls & Attractions: 12 noon
• Children’s Parade: 4pm

The event has been supported by many of Hove's great shops and sponsored by Hove Business Association and the Hove Business Partnership.

For more information please contact Jacqui Dolton on 07940 284959 or e-mail jacqui.dolton@hotmail.com or visit the website at www.sparklesandsurprises.org.uk Or Gavin Stewart, Hove Town Centre Manager on 01273 410251; gstewart@brightonbusiness.co.uk www.brightonbusiness.co.uk