Forr Stt Georrge and Englland!!

English men and women gathered along the Costa on Tuesday to celebrate St George's day. Feeling proud to be English (forgetting Brexit for a few hours) these residents gathered at the Almafra complex in Benidorm.

British expats certainly showed how to celebrate St George’s day on Tuesday, with around 800 turning out at Camping Almafra on the Alfaz/ Benidorm border to party as only the British know how.

The majority turned out in red and white and there were many English flags proudly being waved throughout the afternoon. A number even came in fancy dress or had their faces painted to add to the carnival like atmosphere but when ‘Land of Hope & Glory’ was sung it really bought out the patriot in everyone there – a very rousing moment.

What initially started as a small gathering some years ago has now grown into a spectacular celebration thanks to the hard work of one lady in particular – Susan Rush, with the support of her husband and a dedicated team of sponsors – Corona Toldos, Pride Construction, Hepburn’s Almafra, Saritas, JM Construction and the venue, Almafra Campsite without which she said it would be impossible to organise. It has been months of planning, organising the entertainment which consisted of some of Benidorm’s favourite acts – Elvis, Tom Jones, Sister Act, The Fantastics and more which kept the dance floor packed all afternoon. It was disappointing that the enthusiasm shown by many of the bars in Benidorm in particular for St Patrick’s day in March - Irish flags and bunting is not replicated for St George’s day for the English.

Pamela Dawson Tasker and her team had a stand for the Royal British Legion by the entrance, spreading the word, selling poppy memorabilia and collecting donations. The money raised from the afternoon – at time of going to print still unknown, will be going to good causes. As always, the majority will be spent on items for the Alfaz food bank, with Sue passing on the requirements to Mendoza, a local family run supermarket in Alfaz who deliver the items direct. This year they will also be giving a donation to local lady Jane Veal who underwent treatment for throat cancer a few years back but which has sadly retuned, leaving her unable to work and struggling to even pay the bills. In all it was a fantastic day and more so knowing that it was all in the name of good causes, helping those less fortunate.