Mr Johnson said: "St George's Day has been ignored in London for far too long, but I'm truly pleased to announce some fantastic events to mark this occasion. We have much to be proud of in this great country; England has given so much to the world politically, socially and artistically.

For 2008 English Food was the central theme for the Trafalgar Square event, where the world famous Borough Market relocated for the day. In addition, the popular annual Shakespeare’s Birthday celebrations at the Globe took place as well as the Festival of St George at Covent Garden and parade at the Cenotaph.

Trafalgar Square will host a free programme of classic film and television comedy on Monday 23 April, as part of the Mayor of London's St George's Day celebrations, which will culminate in a special screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and a 'coconut orchestra' world record attempt involving cast members of West End hit, Monty Python's SPAMALOT.

Thousand of Londoners and visitors to the capital were able to mark St George's Day on Saturday 23 April with a range of events, including four supported by the Mayor of London. For the second year running, there was a celebration of Shakespeare's contribution to English literature at the Globe Theatre. More than 9,000 people enjoyed a variety of activities, including the chance to read the Bard's lines from the world famous stage.