New look Shakespeare's Birthday Celebrations a triumph

The 2018 Shakespeare's Birthday Celebration promised spectators non-stop entertainment throughout last weekend, 20-22 April, and visitors were not disappointed.

Featuring a blend of old traditions and exciting new features, activities kicked off on the Friday night as artists, taking part in the UK's first ever National Living Statue Championship, warmed up for their show stopping performances on the Saturday and Sunday.

The Championship was a new feature of the celebrations and attracted the best artists in the field to compete for a cash prize, with the winners announced on Sunday. The winner of the Professional category was artist Mechanical Fracture, Matt Walters from Hove, who has been a living statue for 35 years. The winner of the child category was 15 year old Woulter Spijk,  Ye Olde Bench, who travelled with his sister Meike, 13, Mary had a Little Lamb, from Holland to take part in the Championship.

Tadhg McGillicuddy, Creative Director of LSD Promotions who worked closely with Shakespeare's Celebrations to organise the Championship said: "We had 21 artists come from across the world to take part in this brand new Championship. Not only did they have a great time, but it was fantastic to see the crowds come to Stratford to celebrate this talent and enjoy themselves too."

Local Stratford-Upon-Avon groups were also a key part of the action as they took part in another new feature of the traditional birthday parade, the Community Literary Carnival Pageant sponsored by Bell Court.  850 people took part in the walking pageant which celebrated different works of literature through colourful costumes and performances.

Councillor Victoria Alcock, Mayor of Stratford-Upon-Avon was one of the judges and said: "There were so many fantastic groups taking part in the Pageant which made our lives as judges very difficult. We judged the groups on ease of identifying the book, originality, creativity of costumes and attention to detail. We were thrilled to announce the winners, Rubbish Friends as the Wombles who will benefit from a £500 cash prize."

As well as the new UK National Living Statue Championship and Literary Carnival Pageant, visitors were also treated to street theatre and entertainment, vintage singers, street food and craft demonstrations, market stalls and a special Saturday night entertainment.

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

Sarah Summers, Town Clerk at Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council said: "Thank you so very much to all those involved in making the 2018 Birthday Celebrations a resounding success.  The feedback has been extremely positive and everyone's contribution is invaluable. It is often the little things and attention to detail that makes all the difference.  Combine them all together, and it's a recipe for success."

Cllr George Atkinson, Chairman of Stratford-on-Avon District Council added: "Each year we want to ensure the Shakespeare's Celebrations earns its place in our heritage and showcases what Stratford-on-Avon has to offer and 2018 certainly did that. We are already starting to plan for 2019 and hope to continue featuring these fantastic new additions which complement the traditional elements.  As Easter falls much later next year, the Celebrations will be held on 26 - 28 April, 2019.  We hope to see you there."  

For more information on the Shakespeare's Celebrations please visit www.shakespearescelebrations.com.   

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.