Countdown to new look Shakespeare's birthday festival begins

 Final preparations are underway for Shakespeare's 454th birthday celebrations which promises spectators non-stop entertainment throughout the weekend, 20-22 April, with a blend of old traditions and exciting new features.

This year's celebrations brings the first of many new features including the UK's National Living Statue Championship, a community-led Literary Carnival Parade, a market village and array of entertainment and live performances.

As a lead partner in Shakespeare's Celebrations, the local initiative tasked with organising the annual birthday parade, Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council has been instrumental in bringing plans for a vibrant new birthday festival to fruition. 

Sarah Summers, Town Clerk at Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council said: "Each year we look to ensure William Shakespeare's life is celebrated in style. This year we are excited to take the celebrations to a new level with many brand new features and activities spread over the entire weekend." 

The UK's first National Living Statue Championship is a key new feature of the Celebrations and is bringing some of the best artists in the field to the town, including World and National Champions. Both professional and child artists will compete for a cash prize with performances throughout the weekend and winners announced on Sunday afternoon at 4pm.

Dermot McGillicuddy, Director of LSD Promotions, has worked closely with Shakespeare's Celebrations to organise the Championship. He said: "Living statues from across the world will be busking on the Bancroft throughout Saturday and on Sunday until early afternoon. We are thrilled that the first ever UK Championship has attracted so much talent. Come and be amazed by the painted and costumed characters - it is not often you get the opportunity to see so many world-class artists in one place!" 

Local Stratford-upon-Avon groups will also be immersed in the action as the Community Literary Carnival Pageant, sponsored by Bell Court, forms part of the traditional birthday parade. Different works of literature will be celebrated in a procession of colourful costumes, where the winning group will secure a £500 prize.

Councillor Victoria Alcock, Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon, said: "There has been an enthusiastic response from local groups keen to show their creativity in our very first Community Literary Carnival Pageant.  As one of the judges of the competition I am looking forward to seeing the ingenious displays of literary works as they walk the Parade route."

Toby Saggers, Asset Manager at UK & European Investments, owners of Bell Court, said: "Shakespeare's Birthday gives Stratford a unique opportunity to celebrate all those things that make the town so special. The Literary Carnival Pageant is a great way to get the community involved, whether they are taking part as their favourite character from a much-loved book or coming along to watch. We're thrilled to be able to sponsor this year's event. As part of the celebration, we'll also be offering free face painting at Bell Court, as well as having live music and dance performances for everyone to enjoy throughout the day."  

Entertainment will be in full force from early on the Saturday morning as street entertainment will set a carnival mood before the main procession of civic dignitaries, VIPs and schoolchildren makes its way to Bridge Street for the traditional flag unfurling ceremony and raising the Big Birthday Banner.

A big birthday cake marking 454 years since the Bard's birth and a chance for everyone to sing 'Happy Birthday!' to Stratford-upon-Avon's famous son.  The Civic Parade, VIPs and invited guests will then move through the town to Holy Trinity Church to lay flowers at Shakespeare's grave. 

On Sunday, the parade to the Shakespeare Service at Holy Trinity Church will be a chance to see 'Mr Shakespeare' collecting the quill from Shakespeare's Birthplace.  At 10:50am from the Town Hall, the Head Boy of Shakespeare's own King Edward VI School will carry the quill in procession to Holy Trinity Church where it will be placed in the hand of Shakespeare's effigy above his tomb during the Shakespeare Service, which is open to all and begins at 11:15am.

Councillor George Atkinson, Chairman of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: "Throughout the weekend there is plenty happening to interest and entertain everyone across town. Much is outdoors, mostly free of charge and available thanks to many organisations working together to ensure the festival's success. Street theatre and entertainment, vintage singers, street food and craft demonstrations, market stalls and a special Saturday night entertainment will make this birthday festival a treat for you, your family and friends.  We look forward to seeing you!"     

For more information about what's on and when, visit www.shakespearescelebrations.com or pick up a copy of the free Birthday Celebrations Visitor Brochure.

Shakespeare's Celebrations is an initiative jointly led by Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council and Stratford-on-Avon District Council, working to safeguard the future of the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations.