Stratford Town and District Councils co-host Shakespeare's Celebrations Launch

Stratford Town and District Councils are hosting a distinguished event at the end of the month, which will launch an entirely new approach to the organisation and funding of the town's traditional Shakespeare's Birthday Celebrations.

The Friends of Shakespeare's Celebrations Launch, which will be held at Stratford-upon-Avon Town Hall at 6.30pm on 30 October, will welcome key figures from businesses and communities throughout the District.   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.

“We are at a significant turning point, in terms of deciding how we continue to pay tribute to the global figure who makes our town a unique place in which to live and work, attracting visitors from around the world," commented Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon, Cllr. Ian Fradgley.   “The Shakespeare's Birthday Celebrations are also part of our local heritage that generations from the local community have cherished memories of.  This is why we and our Partners want to establish a sustainable plan, one which will benefit the entire town and wider community for years to come."

“It is not only a matter of pride in our town and its unique heritage, but we must preserve it for future generations," added Cllr. Maurice Howse, Stratford District Council's Portfolio Holder for Enterprise, Housing and Revenue, with responsibilities for tourism.  “Shakespeare's Celebrations' Partners are committed to ensuring that our amazing legacy continues to benefit Stratford's community and the local economy far into the future by helping Stratford's Shakespeare's Birthday celebrations become entirely self-financing and independent of public subsidy."

While Stratford Town Council and Stratford District Councils are leading the launch of Shakespeare's Celebrations, they are keen to make clear and acknowledge that the ongoing initiative is supported by highly valued community Partners, (see full details of Partners below).*  

“Community ownership of the event going forward is key," adds Cllr. Fradgley.  “Its future depends equally on corporate donors offering sponsorship, to local people giving their valuable time as volunteer parade stewards and marshals on the day."

The traditional Birthday Celebrations, which date back to 1824, have always been held in Stratford on the Saturday closest to the Bard's birthday on 23 April (which is also believed to be the date of his death).   The focal point of the day is the Birthday Parade, which makes its way from Shakespeare's Birthplace to his grave, inside Holy Trinity Church. 

It is expected that up to 180 people will attend the launch event on 30 October.  While invitations are currently being issued, there are a limited number of places available to interested members of the community, who wish to apply.  Please email info@shakespearescelebrations.comfor further information (places will be allocated on a first come first served basis).

*Shakespeare Celebrations Partners:

Holy Trinity Church
King Edward VI School
Royal Shakespeare Company
Shakespeare Birthday Company
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
Stratford-on-Avon District Council
Stratford Town Trust
Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council                                                        
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Shakespeare's Celebrations is a recent initiative, between Stratford Town and District Councils and community partners.  It is dedicated to leading the world in celebrating William Shakespeare's life, through developing the traditional and globally recognised Shakespeare's Birthday Celebrations in his home town of Stratford-upon-Avon.

Its founders are committed to ensuring that the festival benefits the community and economy of Stratford-upon-Avon and district and that it must aim to be financially independent of public subsidy and sustainable.