Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more – for it’s not only St George’s Day but also Shakespeare’s birthday this week.

Get patriotic in preparation for the big day on Thursday, April 23 by first attending one of the county’s biggest celebrations; Medway English Festival on Saturday, April 18.

Get ready to meet Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin, take a look at giant tractors and even watch a shire horse display and ride a donkey at this year’s festival at Riverside Country Park in Rainham.

The free day out for the whole family celebrates our patron saint with the most iconic and ironic English traditions, including an appearance by Saint George.

Riverside Country Park will transform into a trio of exciting zoned areas for the annual festival, to be held between 11am to 5pm on Saturday.

There will be a countryside experience zone where baby farm animals will be ready for snuggles in cuddle corner, as well as sheepdog and duck herding displays.

A seaside area will offer the chance to sit back and relax on the specially-created sandy beach with fish and chips, while being entertained by the Punch and Judy show and funfair rides.

The third zone is the village square, where there will be plenty of farmers’ market goodies to buy. And while the adults have a leisurely browse, children can hop aboard the little red bus for a mini journey around the stalls.

A bar will be open and music will come from Kent Police Band and Swingtime Sweethearts, where you might see Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin or even St George himself bopping to the beat.

Verne Sanderson of Medway Council said: “The English Festival is a free family event and there really is something on offer for everyone to enjoy.

"I’d urge people coming along to make the most of the Park and Ride or Park and Walk facilities.”

Visit www.visitmedway.org