David Bradley takes keynote speaker role at Shakespeare's Celebrations Launch

Stratford actor, David Bradley, will be delivering the keynote speech at the Friends of Shakespeare's Celebrations launch, a prestigious reception to be held at Stratford Town Hall at the end of the month.

A prolific character actor, David Bradley is best known for his role as Argus Filch in the Harry Potter series of films.  Earlier this year, he received a TV BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor in ITV crime drama, Broadchurch.   In 2013, his performance as actor William Hartnell (the first Dr Who) in the BBC television drama, An Adventure in Space and Time, was widely acclaimed.

“We are absolutely delighted that David Bradley has accepted our invitation to speak at the launch event of our new initiative to secure the future of Stratford's world renowned Shakespeare's Birthday Celebrations. Apart from being a distinguished actor, with many performances of Shakespeare's works to his credit, David contributes so much to Stratford's local community," commented Cllr. Maurice Howse, Stratford District Council's Portfolio Holder for Enterprise, Housing and Revenue.

“David is President of The Shakespeare's Hospice and community based drama group Second Thoughts Drama Group, added Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon, Cllr. Ian Fradgley.He also gives his time to and takes interest in local causes in countless other ways, while balancing this with his acting commitments around the world.  It is therefore particularly appropriate that David should champion our plans to secure the Shakespeare's Birthday Celebrations for generations to come both near and far.

The evening will be informative and entertaining.  Guests will also enjoy musical entertainment, including a programme of music from Shakespeare's time and contemporary music composed for his plays and performed by musicians from the distinguished and locally based English Serenata, directed by Gabrielle Byam-Grounds.

Up to 180 key figures from Stratford's business, cultural and wider communities will be at The Friends of Shakespeare's Celebrations launch event on 30 October which will be hosted by Stratford Town and District Councils in Stratford-upon-Avon Town Hall. 

Guests will be the first to hear the innovative plans for safeguarding the future of Shakespeare's Birthday Celebrations from 2015 onwards and including plans for 2016, the 400^th anniversary of his death.

New opportunities have been created for businesses to get involved and benefit from the event by sponsoring flags and pedestrian rail banners. Larger sponsorships are also needed and a sponsor is being sought to help bring Shakespeare's Birthday cake back with new decoration for Shakespeare's 451^st Birthday.  Also a Friends scheme has been formed for individuals to get involved who care about ensuring that the celebrations continue for future generations to enjoy.

Please email info@shakespearescelebrations.comfor further information on how you can  help to ensure the Birthday Celebrations carry on for future generations  and if you would like to attend to the event and (places will be allocated on a first come first served basis).