Shakespeare's Celebrations in Stratford-upon-Avon on the 23rd April 2016

On the 23rd April 2016 it was exactly 400 years since William Shakespeare died (and 452 years since he was born, not counting from the change from the Julian to Gregorian calendar). There was a parade celebrating Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon. Was many people there and representatives of the local and national media. In 2020 they will not be able to have a parade for obvious reasons.

In 2016, it was the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare. He was born on the 23rd April 1564 and died on the 23rd April 1616 (his 52 birthday). So this was also the 452nd anniversary of his birth. The annual parade took place around Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire (I had heard about it online weeks before, so booked train tickets and got there early on the day).

The parade started near the roundabout between Bridge Street and Wood Street. I stood on the same spot for over an hour (I recall it hurt to stand there for so long without moving). I eventually followed the tail end of the parade towards Holy Trinity Church (where members of the Shakespeare family are buried).

 

In honour of William Shakespeare man of Stratford

Carried by pupils of Shakespeare's School - King Edward VI

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"So long as men can breathe and eyes can see"

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The Bean Fit Theatre

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Shakespeare's School pupil with quill

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Everyone put on your Shakespeare masks!

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Releasing the party poppers!

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New Orleans Jazz Band

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Actors as William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway

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The Shakespeare Institute - University of Birmingham 'Simply the best place on earth to study Shakespeare'

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I think that the parade is usually held annually, although I haven't heard about it taking place in other years (assuming that it does). 2016 was special though. The 2020 parade is cancelled for obvious reasons (due to the lockdown / pandemic).

Full album on my Flickr: Shakespeare Celebrations Stratford-upon-Avon.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

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Birmingham We Are People with Passion award winner 2020