It’s been over 10 years since Morley was named England’s most patriotic town by the BBC.
But why did Morley gain this title in the first place and is this still true today?
Those who live in the area will be well aware as to why. When St George’s day approaches during Spring, you can find bunting, flags and patriotic banners around every corner, not to mention the exceptional George’s day parade which see’s thousands take to the streets in celebration.
And as if that wasn’t enough, Morley folk dedicate a whole weekend to the occasion, where they watch a horse mounted St George, clad in full armour and followed by an entourage of knights.
In the 2008 article, event organiser Joe Tetley, chairman of the Leeds branch of the Society of St George, said Morley was committed to holding the annual festival, which began in the town five years ago and has grown in size every year.
He said: “Irish people go crackers on St Patrick’s Day, and the Scottish are the same. It’s just a case that we think St George’s Day should be celebrated.
“I think people have suddenly realised we don’t have a national day, so we have started bothering about it and putting it forward.
“Events like we have had in Morley have really taken off.
“Local people have said it is the biggest event they have seen in Morley since the Queen came in 1954.”
The town was intensely proud of its festival and had resisted offers to move the events to the neighbouring city of Leeds, Mr Tetley added.
“It is a Morley event and it stays in Morley – that is non-negotiable,” he said.
Groups from all over Leeds gather to celebrate and get involved, making it one of the most attended parades of its kind in the whole country.
Coun Wyn Kidger, chairwoman of the Leeds branch of Royal Society of St George, said: “They do say that we are the most patriotic town in the country.
“It’s just an absolutely super, super weekend.
“They reckon there’s over 20,000 people come through Morley on a weekend during St George’s, so we must be doing something right.
“It’s all about celebrating Englishness. It makes you really, really proud.”
Next years event will take place on the weekend following St Georges Day of 23rd April and promises to be one of the best yet… keep an eye on our website for updates.
