Shakespeare's birthday celebrated at Stratford-upon-Avon

Thousands lined the streets of Stratford-upon-Avon in glorious spring sunshine, to celebrate what is considered the 449th birthday of William Shakespeare on Sunday.

Just about every person appeared to be waving a flag, as the annual birthday parade was led through the playwright's home town by the Band of the Royal Engineers, from the town hall via the birthplace, and on to Bridge Street, for the traditional unfurling of the flags, before continuing on to Holy Trinity to lay flowers at the grave.

George Matts, from King Edward VI School, carried 'The Quill' in front of a 1,000-strong procession from Shakespeare's Birthplace to Holy Trinity Church - symbolising the dramatist's journey from cradle to grave.

The day was marked by celebrations around the town, from Elizabethan music making to theatre make-up workshops. Sonnet-reciting actors even entertained those taking a trip across the Avon on the chain ferry.

Elizabethan music, sonnet-reciting and a colourful parade; a fitting celebration of Shakespeare's birthday.

The town has been marking Shakespeare's birthday since 1824, and next year will be extra special as it will be the 450th anniversary of the Bard's birth.

Source: stratfordobserver.co.uk