The English Are In Favour Of A National Day Of Celebration On St George's Day

Findings from an Ipsos survey commissioned by the Chairman and National Organiser of the St George's Day Celebrations, Bruno Peek show that the English public are keen to celebrate St George's Day on April 23 with a national day of celebration. Three-quarters (74%) of us think it's a good idea and seven in ten (72%) are keen for the day to be made into a bank holiday. Three charities: RNID, the charity for deaf and hard of hearing people, AICR and WRVS are benefiting from the money raised by the celebrations.

A third (33 per cent) say they would be likely to celebrate the day with family or friends; a quarter (26 per cent) say they would be likely to celebrate by attending a local community event and 20 per cent say they would be likely to have a drink at their local pub in celebration.

When asked to choose words that most closely describe their views about England, top of the list was "historical" (with 55 per cent), followed closely by "multicultural" (48 per cent), "home" (42 per cent) and "tolerant" (42 per cent).

Technical details

Ipsos interviewed a representative quota sample of 1,712 adults aged 15+ in 175 sampling points across England. Interviews were carried out face-to-face, in home, using Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI), as part of the Ipsos Social Issues Omnibus. Fieldwork was conducted between 7-12 December 2006

Topline Results

• Ipsos interviewed a representative total sample of 1,712 adults in England aged 15+
• Interviews were carried out face-to-face, in home, using CAPI, as part of the Ipsos Omnibus
• The sample design ensures that Omnibus accurately reflects the GB population in terms of region and area types as well as informant demographics. In order to correct minor deviations, Omnibus uses a rim weighting system which weights to NRS defined profiles for age, social grade, region and working status - within gender
• Fieldwork was conducted between 7 and 12 December 2006
• Results are based on all respondents unless otherwise stated
• Where results do not sum to 100, this may be due to multiple responses, computer rounding or the exclusion of don't knows / not stated

Q1a It is being proposed that from next year (2007) there be a national day of celebration in England on St George's Day, April 23rd. Base: Half of respondents in England 15+ (824)

Q1b It is being proposed that from next year (2007) there be a national day of celebration in England on St George's Day, the day of the patron saint of England, April 23rd. Base: Half of respondents in England 15+ (888)

Q2 On this card is a list of ways in which people might celebrate St George's Day. Which, if any, of the following would you personally be likely to do next St George's Day, April 23rd 2007?

Q3 Which, if any, of the following words most closely describe your views about England?

Q4 How strongly do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements that I am about to read out.

1. Having a St George's Day celebration would build community spirit by bringing everyone together
2. St George's Day should be made into a bank holiday