Bells to ring for St George

The flag of St George flying at the Town Hall

Bells ringers are being asked to mark St George’s Day by ringing out loud and proud for the patron saint.

It is hoped that churches across the borough will be taking part in the Ringing for England campaign which aims to get the countries 44,000 bell ringers or campanologists - to ring the 28,000 bells in 15,000 churches across the country at 6.00pm.

A spokesperson for the campaign said: “I guarantee some churches in Rochdale will be taking part so listen out for the bells.”

The campaign began in 2010 to help promote the celebration of St George’s Day after it was perceived that there was a lack of enthusiasm for the event.

The Archbishop of York and The Bishop of London have been strong supporters of the campaign. All churches are encouraged to ring out to celebrate St George’s Day with churches including Manchester Cathedral taking part.

St George’s Day, on Wednesday 23 April, will be celebrated with Rochdale council hosting a flag raising ceremony to mark the occasion.

The 23 April marks the day that St George was martyred, after Roman Emperor Diocletian ordered his death for refusing to give up Christianity.