Stratford-upon-Avon Celebrates Shakespeare's Birthday

• What: Stratford upon Avon celebrates its favorite son
• When: four days around Shakespeare's Birthday, most events on the weekend
• Where: Various venues and the streets of Stratford upon Avon
• Admission: Mostly free
• Website

Shakespeare's birthday party, in his home town, includes street theatre, Shakespeare Morris Men, Children's Country Dancing, marching bands, drummers. There will be Ghost Walks, Stratford Town Walks, music recitals and a chance to see Stratford's Lord Mayor and other worthies in their full regalia.

A highlight will be a procession, with unfurling of banners and laying of floral tributes at Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare was christened in April 1564, more than 440 years ago.

In 1896 the American Ambassador attended and since then, this is one of the few formal engagements for the Diplomatic Corps outside of London.