Despite the windy weather, the crowds turned out for Stratford-upon-Avon’s biggest celebration weekend to celebrate the town’s most famous former resident and his legacy.
Visitors from around the world gathered in Stratford for this year’s Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebrations at the weekend.
The proceedings were headed by Mr Shakespeare who lead the traditional celebration parade from Shakespeare’s Birthplace to lay flowers at the bard’s grave.
For the first time the quill ceremony was led by a female as the first head girl of King Edward VI School, Tazmin Chape, made history and took on the starring role in the celebrations.
The event also saw the return of the National Living Statue Championships with more than 30 statues competing in this year’s competition from all over the world and the youngest competitor as young as seven-years-old.
Sarah Summers, Town Clerk for Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council said: “In spite of the weather, it was wonderful to see the crowds gathered in Stratford for Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebrations.
“We loved welcoming so many visitors to enjoy the Birthday Celebrations weekend which is always a highlight of the year for Stratford-upon-Avon.”
Councillor Christopher Kettle, Chairman of Stratford-on-Avon District Council added: “It’s great to have so many visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon to enjoy a wonderful weekend of celebrations.
“The Living Statues were very popular and it was wonderful to see people enjoying the markets and street entertainment put on by Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and RSC especially with it being so windy!”