PATRIOTIC onlookers didn't let the dingy weather spoil their enjoyment of Salis-bury's St George's Day celebrations.

To commemorate England's patron saint, Salisbury adopted a truly medieval theme last Saturday, with grave-diggers, a ratcatcher, a rabbit woman, Gilbert the Dragon and the Wandering Minstrels all parading through the city streets as part of the spectacle.

Dozens of shoppers turned out in the rain to watch the colourful Sarum Morris dancers, youngsters from Salisbury Dance Studio perform their country dancing and maypole routines, along with a host of other street performers.

St George and the Dragon took centre stage in the traditional Mummers Play, performed in the Old George Mall.

And Salisbury's own Jonathan the Jester, helped by his apprentice, Jamie, amazed young and old with his juggling and Jester tricks - despite hobbling about on a sprained ankle.

Earlier in the day, city mayor and mayoress Jeremy and Sue Nettle assembled with civic dignitaries outside the Guildhall to see the biggest St George's flag in the country (27ft by 15ft) flown from the building.

The mayoral procession then left the Guildhall square and made its way to the Old George Mall, to watch more medieval madness.

Passers-by were entertained with music performed by musicians in period costume on the Guildhall steps, while quirky performers Tick-lish Allsorts kept youngsters amused in the Maltings with a special puppet and games show.

The Singing Plague Victims added to the magic with their vocal performances.