Stratford prepares to celebrate Shakespeare

Published: 06:00, 19 April 2016

The Jacobean-era Cobbe portrait said to be of William Shakespeare, which is on display at the National Trust's Hatchlands Park in Surrey.

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON is getting ready to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death this weekend with a whole host of events to celebrate the world’s greatest playwright.

On Saturday morning the traditional birthday parade around the town takes place involving local schools and dignitaries and the unfurling of national flags from countries across the globe.

Following a spectacular firework display at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre on Saturday night a candle lit vigil will process to Holy Trinity Church the Bard’s final resting place.

On Sunday, the traditional Shakespeare Service in the church will be broadcast live on Radio 4.

Full details of this weekend’s celebrations in this Thursday’s Herald.

Stratford-upon-Avon Simon Woodings