St George’s Day is April 23, and to celebrate the second The Book And The Rose comes to Jubilee Square. The Sunday event, organised by Brighton and Hove City Council, follows last year’s success when 14,000 people stopped by.

The name comes from a Catalan tradition which sees lovers exchange gifts (in the manner we would on Valentine’s Day) to commemorate the region’s patron, Sant Jordi, on the anniversary of his death.

“The book and rose thing is based on what happens in Barcelona, but for us it is a means of spicing up the day,” a council spokesman says. “It is a means of giving it an unusual twist. The core is still very English, with Shakespeare readings and folk music.

“The real idea is to provide some free, authentic English culture for St George’s day in a uniquely Brighton way. And hopefully boost local trade at the same time.”

Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616, which is fitting for the book theme.

In Jubilee Square, to be decked in red and white, full of deckchairs and free children’s activities, the Festival Shakespeare Company, ahead of their Brighton Festival Fringe show, are to perform special bard tributes throughout the day.

Jubilee Library will be running a special Shakespeare-themed treasure hunt for families with prizes supplied by The Book Nook.

Interspersed with the Festival Shakespeare Company’s performances are slam poetry exponents Hammer & Tongue, professional “chap” Michael “Atters” Attree, and songs and words from historian Chris Hare.

Also, between the words, the other programme slots feature music. Folk pop comes from Conrad Vingoe, who has worked with Kate Walsh, Tudor musicians Packpins, and oddball duo Rayon Breed who play a selection of non-musical instruments.

There will be advice on how to get involved in local writing groups, projects, festivals and events across the city, plus bunting-making, rose-making and the chance to have a sonnet you’ve written performed.

* For more information call 01273 292872.

Music

11.35-noon: Conrad Vingoe; 2.10-2.40: Ben Paley and Tab Hunter; 3.05-3.35: Jane Bom Bane and Nick Pynn; 3.45-4.05: Packpins; 4.35-4.55: Rayon Breed;

Words

11.10-11.25: The Good, The Bard And The Ugly (two-person Shakespeare); 12.10-12.30: Hammer & Tongue; 12.40-12.55: Michael “Atters” Atree; 1.25-1.40: Festival Shakespeare Company; 1.45-2.05: Chris Hare; 4.10-4.20: Festival Shakespeare Company