Celebrations to mark Shakespeare's birthday are set to return with another packed weekend of events

The celebrations to mark Shakespeare's birthday are set to return with another packed weekend of events taking place in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Festivities will go ahead across the town, bringing in the crowds to Stratford to celebrate on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26.

Visitors will turn out to honour the playwright's birthday, which coincides with English Tourism Week this year.

The 2020 celebrations will see the return of the annual parade, where crowds wave the procession through Stratford-upon-Avon led by Mr Shakespeare.

The proceedings on the Sunday will also include the traditional 'cradle to grave' procession, which sees the Head Boy of King Edward VI's School carry Shakespeare's quill from his Birthplace into the hand of the effigy of the Bard at his grave at Holy Trinity Church.

Visitors can also expect to shop at the market stalls across the weekend, as well as enjoy events hosted by the Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

Christopher Kettle, Chairman of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: "Shakespeare has been and continues to be so important for Stratford, with a worldwide appeal.

"We are therefore delighted once again to be helping the town to celebrate Shakespeare at this this annual event.

"Last year, despite the weather, the crowds gathered to enjoy the festivities so we're hoping that once again people will be able to come to Stratford to help us celebrate."

The Mayor of Stratford, Kate Rolfe, said: "Each year, Shakespeare's Birthday Celebrations draws Shakespeare fans to Stratford-upon-Avon to celebrate the legacy of its most famous former resident.  

"This year we will be focusing on the traditional elements of the celebrations, and we are most grateful to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust for once again allowing the Parade to start from outside the Birthplace, epitomising the true cradle to grave experience."

To keep up-to-date with all the events taking place across the weekend, follow the Shakespeare's Celebrations Facebook and Twitter pages or visit www.shakespearescelebrations.com