Revellers at the 'Contempoary Music, English Roots' event celebrate St Georges Day in Trafalgar Square Ian West/ PA

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ENGLISH folk music was given a chance to shine at a free gig in Trafalgar Square to celebrate St George's Day.

More than 1,000 people attended the event on Saturday which showcased some of the music that England has given to the world.

Mojo award-winning Jim Moray felt he could not turn down the opportunity to perform.

He said: "St Patrick's Day is such a big event and everyone celebrates that whether they're Irish or not.

"In folk music this is what people have been asking for for so long.

"I couldn't say no because it's such a big thing for me."

The 27-year-old from Bristol added: "Events like this are a good start. I think enough hasn't been done in the past but there seems to be a seismic change about not being ashamed of the music of our country."

Kathryn Tickell is a musician and composer whose music is deeply connected to Northumbria. The 41-year-old said: "If you look through the world music section of a record store it's like England isn't part of the world, which is a bit sad."

She added: "I don't think enough is done to promote any of the indigenous music of the British Isles.

"England has been slow to capitalise on it.

"People have tended to see English music as the old image of Morris Dancers, which is so far removed from what we do."

Singer Seth Lakeman headlined the gig and other performers on the bill included sitar-playing Bishi and politically-aware solo artist Netcayi.

The event was the culmination of a week of St George's Day celebrations organised by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

Deputy Mayor Richard Barnes said he was proud to be English.

"The fact that the Mayor said we would be flying the flag, it released an enormous sense of pride across London.

"If London is a jigsaw of communities and cultural backgrounds then we cannot ignore the culture upon which we are formed."

Barnes added: "I have lived around the world and to be a free-born Englishman is one of the greatest prizes that one can have."