SATURDAY 25TH APRIL 2015

www.shakespearescelebrations.com Telephone: 01789 260645 Email: [email protected] @shakespearescel

Shakespeare’s 451st Birthday

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

YOUR SUPPORT

Shakespeare’s Celebrations is an initiative created by Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council and Stratford-on-Avon District Council to rally support for putting the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations on an independent financial footing. This jewel in the crown of Stratford’s festivals is now benefitting from Donations, Friend Subscriptions, Sponsorships and Grants. We are grateful to our Patrons: David Bradley, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Patrick Stewart, Dame Janet Suzman and Professor Stanley Wells and our President: Mr Timothy Cox Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, who care about ensuring the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations continue and flourish. People from all areas of Stratford’s community and further afield are stepping forward to help us safeguard and enhance the celebrations for years to come. With support growing, we hope that it won’t be too long before we can say that this iconic event in the Shakespeare calendar is truly sustainable. For information about how you can support us and get involved visit:

www.shakespearescelebrations.com/support-us/

We are very grateful to the following individuals and organisations for their generous support in 2015:

Good Friends: Peggie Baker Donald Baker Keri Cahill Ruthie Copeman Elizabeth Dixon Ros & Alan Haigh Norma Hampson Ian Heggie Clare & Adrian Hopkinson Maurice Howse Raymond Simpson-Smith Daphne Stanbridge Helen & John Hogg Friends: Mark Bullock Keri Cahill Paul Chapman Paul Edmondson Monica & John Evans David Farman Mike Flowers Jenny Fradgley Public and Trust Funders: Stratford-on-Avon District Council Stratford Town Trust Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council Warwickshire County Council Community and Corporate Supporters: Geraud Markets UK Shakespeare Birthday Luncheon Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Royal Shakespeare Company Stratforward BID Company Stratford Town Walk

Bancroft Cruisers King Edward VI Grammar School Robert Lunn & Lowth Quilt & Croissant Guest House Murphy Salisbury DCS Group LSD Promotions Birmingham University Stratford Girls Grammar School Shakespeare Club Moss Cottage Guest House Avonlea Guest House Accessible Stratford Stratford Christmas Lights

Friends: Anne Grey Estelle & Kevin Hand Val Harris Mairi MacDonald Joan MacFarlane Geoff Mason Melanie McCall Ann McDermott Sylvia & Richard Morris Charles Mulraine Sarah Murray Roger Pringle Sheilagh Sandle Joy Seaman Susie Schulenburg Juliet Short Graham Stanbridge Henry Steward Sarah Summers Dave Webb Emma Wheatley Jenny, Sam & Ben Whybrow Katie Wilber Stratford Churches Together Rookes Wine Merchants Setsquare Creative Solutions Hilliers Butchers Vision Express Commanderie du Taste Saumur, Warwick Bluebell Cottage Fudge The Garden Cafe

2015 SHAKESPEARE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS IN STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

Welcome to the biggest annual party in town. Since 1824, Shakespeare’s Birthday has been celebrated in Stratford-upon-Avon and grown over time to the colourful spectacle of flags, costumes, flowers and marching bands processing to Holy Trinity Church that is now our custom.

Thank You and Welcome

THANK YOU FOR

Once again, the town will be alive with a variety of events and entertainment for all the family to enjoy. We hope you have a wonderful day enjoying all that Stratford has to offer. …And next year - Saturday 23rd April 2016 - Come join us again on the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s passing to be a part of this amazing milestone and celebrate the Bard’s lasting legacy. We will have even more planned for you with some surprises along the way too. See you there! Please send us your photos and films from the Celebrations to help us build a bank of media for promoting future celebrations. E-mail: yourday@shakespearescelebrations. com or call 01789 260645 to arrange. Submission of images and film will be taken as your permission to edit, re-publish or re-transmit your contribution as we feel appropriate.

TOWN HALL STRATFORD-UPON-AVON The beautiful Georgian Town Hall, situated in the heart of the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon, offers a unique venue for either an intimate civil ceremony or a wedding breakfast in the elegant Ballroom with its exquisite chandeliers and fine art.

Our wedding package includes exclusive use of the Town Hall as a venue for a ceremony and/or reception for up to 120 guests. For more information please visit our website www.stratforduponavontowncouncil.com or contact our Events Coordinator Emma Evans [email protected] Civil Ceremony – maximum 180 Reception – maximum for sit down meal 120, evening reception 180 Venue only Town Hall Sheep Street Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6EF 01789 269332

FULL PROGRAMME

Thursday 23rd April

*11:00AM 10:00AM-5:00PM 11:00AM-3:00PM *6:00PM

Coffee, Cake and Sonnets performed by Trinity Players. Holy Trinity Church (map:25) Tudor storyteller - Celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday by listening to a Tudor storyteller on the hour and writing a birthday message from 11am - 3pm. Shakespeare’s Birthplace (map:17) Create a greetings card to wish Will a happy birthday. Harvard House (map:12) Organ recital followed by Festal Choral Evensong. Holy Trinity Church (map:25)

Friday 24th April

4:00PM Shakespeare Birthday Lecture by Dame Harriet Walter 01789 204016. Shakespeare Centre (map:1) 7:00PM Singing Shakespeare Young People’s Concert – www.stratfordartshouse.co.uk or 01789 207100. Stratford Arts House (map:26)

Saturday 25th April

*ALL DAY Enjoy a variety of events and activities throughout the town FROM 10:00AM organised by SBT and RSC before and after the Shakespeare Birthday Parade. See page 11 for details. *ALL DAY Shakespeare Shop Window Competition Trail Look out for shops with black and gold balloons outside, taking part in the Shakespeare Shop Window Competition Trail. Free for everyone to join in, pick up an activity sheet from any of the shops and join in the fun! *10:00AM Schools country dancing with Shakespeare Morris Men. Bancroft Gardens (map:6) *10:30AM Shakespeare Birthday Parade with newly extended route and flag unfurling ceremony. See map for Parade route 12:00-5:00PM View Shakespeare’s schoolroom. Shakespeare’s King Edward VI School (map:19)

12:00PM Shakespeare Birthday Luncheon. Avonbank Gardens (map:27) *12:30PM Shakespeare’s birthday cupcakes - Stratford College catering and carpentry staff and students will be handing out their Shakespeare’s birthday cupcakes from a bespoke stand. Waterside (map:10) 1:00PM Viewing of floral tributes to Shakespeare around his grave – small charge. Holy Trinity (map:25) *1:00PM-2:00PM Knights & Nymphs toddler party for families with children under 5. Hall’s Croft Gardens (map:16) *4:30PM The Great Morris Flashmob. Bancroft Gardens (map:5) 7:30PM Singing Shakespeare Concert with ‘Khymerikal’ 01789 204016. The Guild Chapel (map:19) *ALL DAY RSC Tower Free entry all day *ALL DAY Free entry to All Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Properties for all *CV37 residents to with activities and birthday cake at all the houses. All 5 Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Properties (map:12, 16, 17, Mary Arden’s Farm and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage)

What’s On - Full Programme

SHAKESPEARE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Sunday 26th April

*9:00AM Shakespeare Marathon and Half Marathon. Starting in Church Street – finishing in recreation ground. *10:55AM Shakespeare Service Civic Procession. Town Hall (map:14) to Holy Trinity Church (map:25) *11:15AM The Shakespeare Service. Holy Trinity Church (map:25) 11:00AM-4:00PM View Shakespeare’s schoolroom. Shakespeare’s King Edward VI School (map:19) 4:00PM The Birthday Bash www.rsc.org.uk or 0844 800 1110. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre (map:20) * FREE EVENT/VENUE

All information correct at time of going to press but changes may be unavoidable. For more information and updates visit

www.shakespearescelebrations.com

5

SHAKESPEARE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS PARADE & FLAG UNFURLING CEREMONY SATURDAY 25

TH

Everything you need for your midsummer day’s dream

APRIL 2015

10:00AM BEFORE THE PARADE. West Midlands Fire Service Band performs in Bridge Street and Children present Country Dancing in front of the theatre in Bancroft Gardens.

10.30AM CHILDREN’S ARRIVAL. Air Training Corps Band leads Stratford’s primary schools

from Waterside to upper Bridge Street. PARADE OF INVITED GUESTS West Midlands Fire Service Band leads the guests from the Town Hall, 5 Royal Shakespeare Company banners are unfurled in Waterside and, arriving in Bridge Street, the Parade disperses to take up flag positions lining the streets, ready for the ceremonies.

10.45AM ‘SHAKESPEARE’ LEAVES HIS BIRTHPLACE with Coventry Corps of Drums and his Horse Drawn Birthday Cake, starting the symbolic ‘cradle to grave’ journey. The cake travels through Bridge Street for all to see, while pupils from Stratford Girls’ Grammar school play a fanfare.

11:00AM HANDING OVER THE QUILL AND UNFURLING OF THE FLAGS. Another fanfare

heralds ‘Shakespeare’ handing over his quill to the head boy from King Edward IV School (KES), where he was educated, while the many flags are unfurled. Everyone sings The National Anthem and Shakespeare’s Flag is unfurled at the top of Bridge Street by the Chairman of the Bird Group and Stratford’s Young Achiever of the Year. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND BALLOON RELEASE. West Midlands Fire Service Band leads everyone singing ’Happy Birthday’ to Shakespeare as 451 balloons in Shakespeare’s colours of black and gold are released. Stratford’s Beadle and 5 Town Criers lead three cheers for William Shakespeare. CHILDREN’S DEPARTURE WITH THE CAKE The Birthday Cake leads the Air Training Corps Band, Vicar of Holy Trinity Church and young children to the church. PARADE TO HOLY TRINITY CHURCH BEGINS Musicians and Head Boy of KES meet Coventry Corps of Drums and KES pupils coming from Waterside to escort them and the main Parade to Shakespeare’s Birthplace. They travel the ‘Cradle to Grave’ route from there to Shakespeare’s final resting place in Holy Trinity Church. Here is an opportunity for everyone with floral tributes to join the Parade and lay them by Shakespeare’s grave. CAKE ANYONE? What good is a birthday party without cake? Fear not, The Willows Primary School pupils and community art groups, helped by artist Barbara Fidoe and Escape Community Arts have designed a real showstopper. Shakespeare’s enormous horse drawn 3 metre wide birthday cake will be proudly paraded through the town with the ‘icing’ design inspired by the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt, this victory being the focus of Shakespeare’s Henry V. Mary Berry would be proud! Remember to go and visit Stratford College’s stall on Waterside (Map: 10) where students will be handing out free birthday cupcakes (while stocks last). SHAKESPEARE WINDOW DISPLAY TRAIL Look out for shops with balloons outside in Shakespeare’s colours of black and gold and Window displays with a Shakespeare theme. They’re part of a trail that everyone can join in on Parade day. Just pick up a trail sheet from the Visitor Information Centre or any participating shops. All information correct at time of going to press but changes may be unavoidable.

For information about how you can support us and get involved visit:

www.shakespearescelebrations.com/support-us/

Experience Britain’s ultimate castle, Warwick Castle or discover England’s heritage at Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Immerse yourself in culture at the Royal Shakespeare Company, enjoy a day at Warwick Racecourse or simply explore the beautiful countryside, towns and villages of Shakespeare’s England. For holiday ideas, places to visit and accommodation suggestions visit www.shakespeares-england.co.uk

/ShakespearesEngland @shakespeareseng www.shakespeares-england.co.uk

S TRATFORD-U PON-AVON • WARWIC K KENILWORTH • ROYAL LEAMINGTON S PA

0

0 1

1 2

2 3

3

Parade Route and Entertainment Locations

SHAKESPEARE BIRTHDAY PARADE ROUTE AND ENTERTAINMENT LOCATIONS

PRE-PARADE STREET ENTERTAINMENT To kick the party off as you wait to see the parade, there will be entertainment on the streets by • Shakespeare Aloud • Tread The Boards Theatre Company • Second Best Bed Theatre Company • Maria’s Children (Russia) 1 14 • Stratford Grammar School for Girls 2 15 • Swan Tai Chi 1 14 3 16 • Hanover College Players (USA) 15 4 17 1 14 • Amicantus 2Choir 1

1

2From

32

1

141

15 14 16

5

14

14

5

15

1716

5 14 15

185

9

1418 14 20 19 14

18

18

22

6

26

2827

6 15 16

196

10

1519 15 21 20 15

19

19

23

7 16 17 207 11 LOCATIONS

1620 16 22 21 16

20

20

24

1

8 9Street

48

10 449

8 17 18

91 5 9 11 2 18 19 510 Entertainment: 5

218

12

14

1721 17 23 22 17

21

21

25

-229 , 10 - 23

13

- 15 ,

1822&18 24 23 18

22 14

22

26

14

16

14 1923 19 25 24 19

23 15

23

27

16 24

24

610 , 12 3 611 10RSC 1events: 61

19 202 & 10

711 13 4 712 11SBT 2properties: 72

3 11 20 21

11 24

15

17

12

3 12 812 3Harvard 4 14 5 21 22 813 House: 8

12 25

16

18

15 26 2024 20 25 20 27 16 2125 21 26 21

25 17

25

13

4 Birthplace: 913 99 4Shakespeare’s 13 6 13 17 15 22 235 26

19

27 17 2226 22 22

26 18

26

10 10 5 18 16 7 Croft: 5Hall’s 18 20 2327 23 23 246 27 10 23 6 19 24 24 6 19 21 17 8 11 Schoolroom Shakespeare’s & Guild Chapel: 24 257 11 11 24 7 20 25 9 12 22 20 8 Holy7Trinity Church (Shakespeare’s Grave): 18 25 26 12 25 12 25 27 26 8 21 13 13 8 10ArtsHouse: 21 23 Stratford 19 269 26 26 13 27 9 22 27 9 11 22Marquee: 10 Shakespeare Birthday Luncheon 20 24 27 27

27 19

27

10

12

10 21

11

23

25

23

17 2 HENH L ME

18

10:00am 43 the2 Bancroft 17 15 of15the19Royal 16front 6 Gardens 2 in 15 in 152 Shakespeare Theatre, there’ll be Schools Country Dancing and 3 16 20 17 16 7 3 54 16 18 3 163 Shakespeare Morris Dancers. West Midlands Fire Service Band will 65 4 4 17 21 8 18 17 17 19 4be performing4at the 17 14 top of Bridge Street.

3 7 3938 7ENTERTAINMENT

1

E

T RS

RE

ET

EENY LSE TYR SETE RTE

3 ET BARDS WALK COOKS ALLEY 24 13

ArtsHouse

7

23

26

12

8

14

5

18 10

11

19

9

4

6 21 22

20

15

20 21

16

22 23

27

24

For 11 details RSC performances, workshops, activities 11and 12 24 25 13 of SBT22 24 26 and12 family fun all 23 afternoon see page 11 27 12 25 26 25 13 13

13 24

26

26

Map Key:

25

27

27

27 25

26 27

Parade Route

1

Local Attractions

9

Activities in and around the RSC

FREE EVENTS ALL AFTERNOON FROM THE SHAKESPEARE BIRTHPLACE TRUST AND ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

■ WORLD CLASS PERFORMANCES ■ GUIDED THEATRE TOURS ■ VIEWING TOWER ■ ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

Henley Street, High Street, Sheep Street and Waterside will remain closed to traffic until 5pm

■ FREE EXHIBITIONS

12 noon until 4.45pm Town Centre - free street entertainment organised by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in partnership with all the performing groups

■ FAMILY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES ■ CV37 STANDBY SCHEME Residents of CV37 can enjoy best available seats in either of our theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon for just £10

www.rsc.org.uk 0844 800 1110

FREE entertainment from local, regional and international groups is programmed throughout the afternoon. (Map: 1 – 10 and 13 - 15 and 18)

Available on the day of the performance only, in person or by telephone. Tickets subject to availability. Applicable to residents of Stratford-upon-Avon with a CV37 postcode. Proof of address will be required at time of booking or on collection.

Shakespeare’s

shakespeare.org.uk

Family Homes

All afternoon - the Wishing Tree at spot 9 and roving tweeters and photographers

h every

MO

ss

12 FR w

it

pa

Uncover the stories behind the world’s greatest storyteller in Stratford-upon-Avon

wit

NTH

h

ev

EES

ery pa

Groups taking part include: § Shakespeare Morris Men § Stratford Concert Band § Tread the Boards Theatre Company § Stagecoach Theatre Company § Someone at the Door Samba § Escape Arts § Stratford Renaissance Dance § Musyck Anon § Hemlock Morris § Pandemonium § Folk Friendzy § Wayfarers Folk Dance Club § Miramar § Swan Tai Chi § Ukes Anon § Amicantus Choir § Gloriana § The Second Best Bed Theatre Company § Suruj Bhangra § Footsteps Day Nursery and visiting performers from the USA, Russia, Japan, India and Thailand

ss

4.30pm - join Hemlock Morris in our Flashmob Morris on the Bancroft Gardens (Map: 6) 1-2pm - Knights and Nymphs – the annual toddlers party at Hall’s Croft Gardens (Map: 16) Free with face painting, storytelling, activities and Pandemonium Steel Pan Band Free entry to Hall’s Croft gardens for all families with under 5s

Activities at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Properties

Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Mary Arden’s Farm, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Hall’s Croft. Plus Stratford’s hidden gem, Harvard House Registered Charity Number 209302

Free entry for all CV37 residents to all five Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Properties (map ref 12, 16 and 17, plus Mary Arden's Farm and Anne Hathaway's Cottage & Gardens) with activities and birthday cake at all the houses

From 10am Sea-Markings a new exhibition by Susan Stockwell PACCAR Room, level 2 Royal Shakespeare Theatre (Map: 20) Free 11.15am – 1pm Live Music Royal Shakespeare Theatre Foyers (spot 20) Free 11.30am – 4.14pm Family Craft Activities Bancroft Terrace (Map: 22) Free 12noon – 12.30pm Storytelling Weston Square Marquee (Map: 11) Free For all ages 12noon – 3.45pm Demonstrations, workshops and Storytelling Bancroft Gardens Marquee (Map: 21) Free Ages 4+ 12noon – 4.15pm Theatre Skills Workshops The RSC Clore Learning Centre (Map: 23) Free Ages 10+ 12.45 – 1.30pm Puppet Street Theatre Outside Royal Shakespeare Theatre (Map: 20) Free 1.30 – 2pm Storytelling Weston Square Marquee (Map: 11) Free For all ages 1.30 – 4.30pm Sonnets from the Tower RSC Theatre Tower (Map: 20) Free Free entry to RSC Tower on the day 2pm Stage Fighting Demonstration Bancroft Terrace (Map: 22) Free 3.30pm - 4.15pm Puppet Street Theatre Outside Royal Shakespeare Theatre (Map: 20) Free 6 – 6.30pm Storytelling for adults Upper Circle Bar (Map: 20) Free Ages 18+

11

Avonlea

SUPPORTING THE

BED & BREAKFAST

GROUP

Avonlea is the winner of the coveted Pride of Stratford ‘Hospitality Business of the Year Award 2015’ and 4 star rated with Visit Britain

www.dcsgroup.com DCS was founded by Denys C. Shortt OBE. We are the largest sales & distribution company for P&G, Unilever, Colgate, PZ Cussons, Reckitt Benckiser and more. We also manufacture health and beauty products at our factory in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

• Free WiFi • Free Parking • Single rooms from £50 • Double rooms from £75 • 50% off Sunday night when staying three or more nights

www.enliven.co.uk SALES & DISTRIBUTION OF MAJOR BRANDS THROUGHOUT THE UK

www.dcsgroup.com

www.brandrefill.co.uk

Located to the south of the river, just a five minute walk from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. It has eight bedrooms with comfy beds in well-appointed light and airy rooms. In the morning you will discover a superb full English breakfast made using quality local produce.

01789 205940 www.avonlea-stratford.co.uk [email protected]

WHAT’S COMING UP

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR...

Every Friday, 'The Historic Street Market'

The Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations is just the start of a packed programme of events and festivals in Stratford-upon-Avon throughout the year. There’s never a dull moment, so come and visit us again soon!

A general market held in Rother Street, from 9am to 4pm, selling a wide range of products, from fine food to general goods and something to suit all ages.

APRIL TO MAY Stratford Literary Festival Saturday 25th April – Sunday 3rd May

JUNE TO JULY CONTINUED... Stratford Fun Regatta Saturday 11th July (river conditions permitting)

Shakespeare Marathon and Half Marathon Sunday 26th April

Stratford Home & Garden Show Friday 17th – Sunday 19th July

Stratford Festival of Motoring Sunday 3rd – Monday 4th May

Lions Raft Race Sunday 26th July (river conditions permitting)

Comedy Hullabaloo Thursday 21st – Monday 25th May

AUGUST TO SEPTEMBER Stratford Town Centre Food and Drink Festival Friday 18th – Sunday 20th September

Every Saturday, 'The Famous Street Market'

Winner of Best Private Market of the year 2014

‘STRATFORD-UPON-AVON’ Winner of Best Private Market of the year 2014

Again held in Rother Street, from 9am to 4pm, but on alternate weeks is joined either by a farmers market, or an antiques market, meaning that typically the market has an even wider range of goods on Saturdays. Farmers attend on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, antiques are on the 2nd, 4th and 5th.

Every Sunday, 'Stratford UpMarket' A giant market held on Waterside from 10am to 5pm, with a vast display of stalls selling a wide range of fine foods, unusual crafts, and up-market vintage, in a fabulous atmosphere.

JUNE TO JULY Stratford Beer Festival Friday 12th – Saturday 13th June KES Benefactors’ Day evening river racing Wednesday 17th June Stratford Rowing Regatta Sunday 20th June (river conditions permitting) Stratford Poetry Festival Wednesday 1st July – Sunday 2nd August Stratford River Festival Saturday 4th – Sunday 5th July DESIGN BY

Please contact the Market Manager Tel: 07966 436377 or 01384 877336 email: [email protected]

www.stratforduponavonmarkets.co.uk

What’s Coming Up Throughout the Year

Stratford-upon-Avon’s Fabulous Markets

OCTOBER TO NOVEMBER Stratford Annual Mop Fair Sunday 11th – Monday 12th October Stratford Music Festival Friday 16th – Sunday 25th October Shakespeare on Film Festival and Short Film Competition Wednesday 28th October – Sunday 1st November Stratford Christmas lights switch on Thursday 19th November (tbc)

GROUP

For information about how you can support us and get involved visit:

www.shakespearescelebrations.com/support-us/

15