At a time when English national identity has come under question, Chris Price argues that events such as the English Festival prove affection for the nation is as strong as ever.

William Shakespeare, Oliver Cromwell, Sir Walter Raleigh and Charles Dickens are names that immediately conjure up proud images of what it means to be English.

England is a nation that has led the world in the development of culture, democracy, exploration and literature. Yet today, the devolution of powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and heightened immigration has led many to argue the English have forgotten what it means to fly the flag of St George.

In some sections of society, the white banner with its red cross has become a symbol for extremism. It has been adopted by unsavoury people, who have tainted its virtues of honesty, acceptance and morality. There is also the problem that being English is often confused with being British.

Yet amidst this crisis, a new generation of positively English heroes have emerged. Names such as Daniel Craig, David Beckham, Sarah Millican and Kate Winslet embody the modern principles of being an Anglophile: leadership, suavity, courage, good humour and style.

The nation’s fascination with celebrities like these is often lambasted. But these figureheads give focus to a nation searching for an outlet to express its patriotic compulsions.

It is no coincidence that Becks has made such an impact in the States – he has led his country, he has stepped up to the plate when it has counted and refuses to retire from international football, ready whenever his country calls upon him. Behind all this he is a family man, style icon and a good sport – remember his legendary grilling from Ali G with wife Victoria for Comic Relief?

It is much to the credit of Medway Council that it has given an outlet to those who are proud of their heritage and those who want to celebrate the eccentricities of the modern Englishman or woman.

We can feel our upper lips stiffen, chests push out and gaze lift slightly to somewhere in the middle distance as we proudly observe traditions of donkey rides on the beach, eardrum-piercing town criers and repertory theatre, all with tongue firmly in cheek. For as well as a proud history, it is those eccentricities which make for a truly English occasion.

What could be more amusing than watching children building sandcastles while sat on a deckchair on a fake beach in the middle of Riverside Country Park in Gillingham? It is a bit daft but no one can deny it is English.

So be proud to rub shoulders with actors dressed as Shakespeare, the Queen and Churchill at the English Festival. Be sure to visit the Kentish traders selling traditional fish and chips, pasties and ice creams. Remember, it’s not a crime to be English but a privilege only shared by about 90 million people on planet Earth.

Join the fun

The third annual English Festival takes place at Gillingham’s Riverside Country Park on Saturday, April 21.

Held on the closest Saturday to St George’s Day, this free family day out celebrates all things characteristically English.

The seaside, a village green, a farm animal enclosure and a medieval arena will be among the themed zones around the park. Families can go on donkey rides, feed goats and have a go at archery.

Characters wandering around will include the Queen, Winston Churchill, Emmeline Pankhurst and a town crier.

The English Festival runs from 11am to 5pm. Admission is free. Call 01634 843666.

There will be no parking at the event due to the recent heavy rain. Visitors can use the free park and ride service from the visitor entrance to Chatham’s Historic Dockyard and Rainham Mark Grammar School. The buses run from 10am to 6pm.