Get ready for St George's Day with the Loving Cup tour
Winchester played host to the Loving Cup of England on Tuesday (March 27) when the Mayor and her guests partook in an old English tradition.
In the weeks leading up to St George's Day the ancient cup is touring the country, before reaching its final destination of Westminster on April 23.
For the ceremony at Abbey House in Winchester the cup was filled with fresh English apple juice and, held aloft by Mayor of Winchester Sue Nelmes, invited guests took turns to sip from it.
The tradition is thought to have been inspired by the assassination of King Edward the Martyr in 978 AD, and symbolises the celebration of peace, friendship and harmony within the community and country.
Bruno Peek, OBE, MVO, is chair of the advisory board for the Enjoy England, Celebrate St George's Day, and from February 5 has been travelling to each of the 50 English cities with the Loving Cup of England.
The tour is raising money for the Association for International Cancer Research, the Women's Voluntary Service and the Royal National Institute for the Deaf.
For more details go to www.celebratestgeorgesday.com