Here is the timeline of events for Shakespeare’s birthday in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2019.
The main parade, parties and activities take place on Saturday April 27, but there is much to see and do over the weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Find out more about the Shakespeare birthday celebrations here and see the highlights of 2018’s celebrations.
Timeline of events for Shakespeare’s birthday in Stratford-upon-Avon
Friday April 26
4pm-5.30pm: Shakespeare Birthday Lecture at The Shakespeare Institute with Professor Jerzy Limon OBE, founder and artistic director of the Gdansk Shakespeare Theatre, in conversation with Professor Michael Dobson. Booking essential.
Living Statues competition 2019 begins on Waterside and in Bancroft Gardens. The adjacent food court is open 1pm-9pm.
Saturday April 27
9am-4pm: Pop-up performances of ‘All the Street’s a Stage‘ throughout the day
9.30am-10.30am: Children country dancing outside Shakespeare’s Birthplace on Henley Street, followed by community troupes approximately every half hour from 11.30am.
10am-5pm: Stratford’s Community Scarecrow Festival with Escape Arts in Bancroft Gardens (also on Sunday).
10.30am: Shakespeare Birthday Parade begins in Waterside. The parade route includes Bridge Street and High Street, ending at Holy Trinity Church approx 11.30am. More details on the Shakespeare Celebrations website.
During the celebrations, there’s a flag unfurling and the arrival of Shakespeare’s birthday cake – and the man himself, of course.
11.30am-4.30pm: Various demos and workshops by the RSC at The Other Place
12–4pm: Knights & Nymphs Children’s Garden Party at Hall’s Croft
12-4pm: RSC actors reading poetry on the chain ferry (50p per crossing)
2pm: The weekly Shakespeare Walking Tour begins at Tudor World.
Sunday April 22
10am-11.15am: A civic reception is held before the procession from the Town Hall to Holy Trinity Church, past Shakespeare’s New Place. The King Edward VI Head Girl takes the Quill in procession to Holy Trinity Church for the Shakespeare Service.
10am-5pm: Stratford’s Community Scarecrow Festival with Escape Arts in Bancroft Gardens (judging at 4pm Sunday).
4pm: The winner of the Living Statues competition is announced.
Looking for more to see and do while you’re in Stratford-upon-Avon? Sign up to get the latest Stratfordblog posts on email.
Information correct at date of publication