Shakespeare’s Birthday
past celebrations
1616 Shakespeare dies
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1650 onwards
Visitors start travelling to Stratford to see Shakespeare’s place of birth
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1769 Actor David Garrick
holds the first Shakespearian Festival in the autumn
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1824 The Shakespeare Club
marks the birthday itself (23rd April) with a procession to Holy Trinity Church and a ceremonial dinner
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Over the years the tradition grows to include much of the spectacle that is still part of today’s processions – flag ceremony, wearing rosemary for remembrance and the laying of flowers on Shakespeare’s grave
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1896 American Ambassador
invited to Stratford and the link with the Court of Saint James established
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1964 Shakespeare’s 400th birthday
and an unforgettable anniversary for Stratford
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2010 Today the Birthday Celebrations
still observe all the important traditions whilst incorporating new and exciting features
Search 2010 Birthday Celebrations Events
By Event Type
By Date
- Four-day diary of celebrations
- Talented street performers
- Great local community participation
- The Romeo and Juliet Challenge
- Your birthday celebrations photographs
- Family fun with the Sonnet Sleuth
- Toast to the Memory of William Shakespeare *
* details available from mid April 2010
