Patriotic spirit was alive and well in Leicestershire yesterday as people took to the streets to celebrate England's patron saint.

Revellers with painted faces and waving flags filled Leicester Market to watch the legend of St George come to life.

A pantomime atmosphere was in the air as onlookers booed the dragon and then cheered as he was finished off by the hero's sword. Red roses were then given out to the audience.

Town crier Tony Green had the honour of donning the attire of a knight to slay the dragon.

He said: "It's been tremendous. It was some good old-fashioned English fun.

"The people were loving it and it was real pantomime stuff.

"I think it's great to celebrate St George's Day, and with great weather it was a grand day."

Market manager Nick Rhodes said the event was "all good fun".

While there were few St George's flags on display in the city centre, some pubs were full of revellers dressed in England shirts.

Tom Warrington, 34, from Beaumont Leys, was drinking with many others in Lamp Lighters pub in Silver Street.

He said: "I took a day off work today, I always do.

"It's good to see that Leicester is doing things this year because it's usually a bit subdued.

"A lot of people feel like they can't celebrate today but that's a load of rubbish – I'm proud to be English, and I think St George's Day should be a public holiday.

"People make such a fuss of St Patrick's Day and other national days, so why can't England?"

Keith Mant, 41, of Aylestone, who was drinking in the Market Tavern in Hotel Street, said: "It's nonsense that today isn't a national holiday.

"I know that not everyone who lives in this country was born here and we should respect their heritage, but I will always celebrate mine and I hope that a lot of people feel the same way."

For the first time, Leicester City Council has organised a week-long festival in honour of St George's Day. Events include a family fun day in Orton Square, opposite Curve, with dancing and folk music tomorrow.

The festival will conclude with a series of events on Sunday, including the Cubs and Scouts' annual St George's parade in the city centre at 2.15pm.

Councillor Andy Connelly, city spokesman for leisure and culture, said the week-long event would enable people who were at work yesterday to celebrate England's patron saint.

In a letter to the Leicester Mercury and other regional newspapers yesterday, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears underlined the Government's support for celebrations to mark St George's Day.

She said: "For too long, we have seen the flag hijacked by those who spread race hate or people shying away from a celebration of English culture and history because of a fear of offending somebody.

"We should not let these people spoil this celebration, which is an opportunity to show the true spirit of this country – one of inclusiveness, tolerance and friendship."

Among those to welcome yesterday's celebrations was Leicestershire's Federation of Muslim Organisations.

A spokesperson said they were a "wonderful testimony to the diversity and richness of people throughout England".