THE Archbishop of York has written to Government Ministers urging them to celebrate St George’s Day on May 2 this year.

Dr John Sentamu has also revealed that he intends to mark the occasion by singing patriotic songs such as Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia outside York Minster.

The archbishop has urged people to come to the cathedral at noon to join him in the party as the Minster’s carrilon bells ring out with the tunes.

He said that because April 23 – the official date for St George’s Day – falls this year on Holy Saturday just before Easter Sunday, many churches will not be able to fly flags, ring their bells or take part in any of the national festivities honouring St George on that day.

He said the church calendar had therefore moved the St George’s event to May 2, allowing a rare double celebration.

“There is so much to love about England,” he said. “As someone who loves St George, I have long campaigned for us to have a special holiday where we can celebrate our patron saint and all that is great about our wonderful nation.

“Why can’t we put aside one day a year where we can wave our English flag of St George, sing songs about our proud history and maybe even drink a pint of English real ale with our friends.”

He said it was important the Church paid St George his full dues. “That is why I have written to Government ministers calling on them to hold official celebrations on May 2 and to fly the St George’s Cross from all government buildings too.”

He said it was the first time in more than 100 years that St George’s Day had been on the Saturday before Easter and it was unlikely it would happen again for another 100 years.

He said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for one big national party on May Day for St George!

“Let us wave our flags, sing our songs and thank God for St George. Long live the Queen!”