Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebration

Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebration is a tremendous spectacle. This takes place on the weekend that is on or after the 23rd April. The festival includes a myriad of exciting and vibrant spectacles for adults and children alike, with a hive of activity taking place. The crowds are entertained by street theatre, the Shakespeare Morris Men, Children’s Country Dancing, the Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers and the Coventry Corps of Drums. The highlight of the weekend is undoubtedly the Procession and the unfurling of the flags and laying of floral tributes at Holy Trinity Church.

Tradition has it that William Shakespeare was born on 23rd April, three days prior to his baptism recorded at Holy Trinity Church in 1564. The 23rd April is also the date of his death in Stratford aged 52. Shakespeare’s birthday was first celebrated in 1824 with a procession through the streets to Holy Trinity Church, a dinner and a few speeches. Over the years the tradition has grown to include many of the unique features that are still integral to the celebrations today. In 1896 the American Ambassador was invited to Stratford-upon-Avon and so began the tradition that linked the celebrations with the Court of St James. To this day, the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations remain one of the few engagements for the Diplomatic corps outside London.

For more information go to http://www.shakespeare.org.uk

Shakespeare’s Marathon

This event celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2007 and continues to be a favourite amongst Marathon runners.

For more information go to http://www.shakespearemarathon.org

Stratford-upon-Avon Beer and Cider festival

This relatively new festival takes place on the Race Course The Festival features more than 30 real ales, ciders and perrys many of which are produced locally.

For more information go to http://www.stratfordbeerfestival.org.uk

Stratford-upon-Avon Digital Film Festival

Following the success of the inaugural Festival and the quality of the films this events has expanded from three to four days of screenings.

For more information go to http://www.stratforduponavonfilmfest.com

Stratford-upon-Avon Boat Club Annual Regatta

Stratford is not only synonymous with Shakespeare but also with the River Avon which flows through the town. The Annual Regatta is a great family day out with event happening throughout the day on the river.

For more information go to http://www.stratford-rowing.co.uk/

Stratford-upon-Avon International Flute Festival

A vied programme of 50 flute concerts at venues throughout the town.

For more information go to http://www.stratford-flute.co.uk/

Stratford on Avon Music Festival

After a highly successful 2007 Festival, planning for this year is now underway. Already lined up for October 2008 are celebrities from the world of classical music, jazz and the theatre.

There's contemporary dance, an evening of light opera and family concerts as well as the now-famous lunchtime series in the beautiful setting of Stratford's Town Hall.

Keep checking the website for news and updates. http://www.stratfordmusicfestival.com/

Royal Shakespeare Company – Open Air Film Festival

During the summer months, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon comes into its own. The town welcomes visitors from every corner of the globe and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) hosts a number of special events alongside its core programme of onstage performances.

Inspired by the legacy of its hugely successful Complete Works Festival, in 2007 the RSC will present a mix of international and multicultural theatre, a full programme of events and the next installments in Michael Boyd’s two-and-a-half year project to stage all of Shakespeare’s history plays using the same ensemble of 29 actors. Chose from one of nine productions on stage; watch Shakespeare-inspired films on a huge outdoor screen; chew the fat over brunch with well-known politicians and writers in The England Debate; or tread the boards yourself at The Dell – the RSC’s outdoor theatre space for amateur and student actors.

For more information go to http://www.rsc.org.uk

Stratford-upon-Avon Food Festival

Stratford-upon-Avon Food Festival 28 – 30 September 2007
This year the festival will be re-launched and relocated to the beautiful Bancroft Gardens near the river and Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

It will be a colourful, fun-filled event for foodies and families. Continental markets, food marquee, music, dancing, demonstrations and competitions.

For more information go to http://www.visitstratforduponavon.co.uk/foodfestival

Christmas Festival

Christmas in Stratford is truly magical and this year there will be late night shopping on the 22nd November, 29th November, 6th December, 13th December and 20th December along with Christmas, Food, traditional and Continental markets.

There is something for everyone this year in Stratford-upon-Avon. Click on the link below for the Christmas 2006 Guide (Pdf) or select News and Events for the latest up to date listing of activities.

For more information go to http://www.visitstratforduponavon.co.uk/christmas