Shakespeare's birthday - picture special

Clare Fitzsimmons

01 May 2008

APRIL showers held off to supply perfect sunshine for the annual Shakespeare birthday celebrations at the weekend.
In ceremonial style, Stratford marked the 444th anniversary of the Bard's birth.
As usual, the main event saw the town centre closed to traffic on Saturday (April 26) to make way for the birthday procession. Dignitaries and scholars from across the globe marched side-by-side with local schoolchildren and charity representatives. The birthday flags were unfurled in Bridge Street at 11am before the procession snaked through Shakespeare's Birthplace and on to Holy Trinity Church where flowers were laid on the Bard's grave.
The celebrations are organised each year by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Nic Walsh, Chairman of the Birthday Celebrations Committee, said: "We were delighted with the public response to the Birthday Celebrations and I think the sunshine helped the festive spirit. Sir Donald Sinden was magnificent and I would like to thank him for being our president this year. As always, many people put a lot of work into the birthday weekend and we are very grateful to them."
On Sunday (April 27) the RSC got in on the action, organising a series of special events. Highlights were Sir Donald talking about his career and Bond stars Alan Cumming and Julian Glover discussing 007 and Shakespeare.
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Dressed up for the occasion 18.08.016. nc 7

Awaiting the unfurling of the flags. 18.08.016.nc6

Family affair 18.08.016. nc 10

Town councillors march. 18.08.016. nc15

Scouts honour. 18.08.016. nc11

Saying it with flowers. 18.08.016. nc16

Sea scouts salute. 18.08.016. nc 13

Schoolchildren meet the Bard. 18.08.016. nc 4

Sir Donald Sinden. 18.08.016. nc 20

All smiles. 18.08.016. nc 17

Alas poor Yorrick! 18.08.016. nc 13

Flower girls. 18.08.016. nc 12

He'll lamp you one! 18.08.016. nc 9

Nap time. 18.08.016. nc 3

Suited and booted. 18.08.016. nc 8

B Day Parade 18.08.016. nc 5

On your bike, son. 18.08.016. nc 1

Sir Donald Sinden 18.08.016. nc 2
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