Stratford has a wide range of colourful events and festivals for visitors to enjoy throughout the year. With award winning performances at the Royal Shakespeare Company, Civic Hall Theatre and Cox's Yard, Stratford also boasts its own Literary Festival, Music Festival, Food Festival, River Festival and Stratford Town Mop.
One particular highlight in the calendar and unique to Stratford is the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations which have been held annually in the town for nearly two centuries. The tradition brings together the local community, professional and amateur performers and artists and ambassadors from around the world in a vibrant celebration of the life and works of Stratford's favourite son. The town's streets overflow with pageantry, music and drama over the birthday period and visitors can enjoy a packed full programme of special celebratory activities.
Events for 2012
To assist with the planning of your next visit we have a forward events diary covering at least the next 12 months. Events are added to this diary as soon as we become aware of them, therefore the diary is constantly changing. When an event is on for more than one month it will be listed in each month.
Olympic Torch Relay 2012
The Olympic Torch relay will pass through Earlswood, Alcester, Newbold-on-Stour, Alderminster and Stratford-upon-Avon before leaving for Warwick on 1st July 2012. More information can be found on the Olympic Torch Relay page on the Stratford-on-Avon District Council website.
No Holds Bard- a tour of Stratford-upon-Avon with William Shakespeare
1 - 29 February
In Shakespeare's No Holds Bard Tour the bard will tell you tales of his loves, tragedies and inspirations in front of a backdrop of Stratfords most famous sights.
Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery
3 March
Ettington Park takes you back to the splendour and elegance of a bygone age. Its impressive gothic architecture and landscaped grounds could be the set from a period drama.
Spring Wedding Open Day
4 March
If you are looking for the perfect wedding venue Ardencote Manor has a Wedding Open Day planned for Sunday 4th March 2013 between 12 noon and 3pm.
Taste of Spring in Warwickshire Gourmet Evening
10 March
Ettington Park takes you back to the splendour and elegance of a bygone age. Its impressive gothic architecture and landscaped grounds could be the set from a period drama.
Fright Club
16 March
Nobody talks about Fright Club - oh yes they do! Join us for a Fear filled Friday night mini ghost hunt at The Falstaff in Stratford upon Avon.
Stratford Magical Cruise for Mothers day weekend
17 March
A gentle cruise along the beautiful River Avon, with stories of 'old' Stratford and snippets of Shakespeare, wrapped up with a little magical entertainment. Member of the Magic Circle to entertain. Riverbank scenes to delight. Bar on board.
Mothers Day at Ettington Park Hotel
18 March
Ettington Park takes you back to the splendour and elegance of a bygone age. Its impressive gothic architecture and landscaped grounds could be the set from a period drama.
Easter Ghost Cruise
7 April
Unique evening entertainment in Stratford upon Avon. A cruise on the River Avon with ghost stories, magic and mind reading.
Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery
13 April
Ettington Park takes you back to the splendour and elegance of a bygone age. Its impressive gothic architecture and landscaped grounds could be the set from a period drama.
'Record Breaking' Easter Fun
31 March - 15 April
This Easter, here at the Heritage Motor Centre, we are continuing with our record breaking theme, so come join in the record breaking egg-citing fun & make and race your own egg car, plus quizzes and other crafts and activities!
Craft day on Thursday 5 & 12 April.
Craft day on Thursday 5 & 12 April.
MGB 50 Anniversary Road Run
15 April
Organised by the MGB 50 Events Committee, the Birthday Road Run on 15th April 2012 will kick start the 50th Anniversary of the MGB.
Stratford Ghost Cruise
28 April
Evening cruise in Stratford, with ghost stories, magic and mind readind.
Spring Classic & Cream Tea Run
13 May
The Gaydon Spring Classic is becoming a popular gathering for all vehicles over 20 years old. Entry into the grounds is free and those arriving in a qualifying vehicle can visit the Museum on the day at £5 per person.
UK Slot Car Festival
20 May
A fantastic 'hands on' family day out. Featuring Scalextric and more, try, buy, race and just enjoy all that this UK Slot Car festival has to offer.
Stratford Ghost Cruise
26 May
Unique evening entertainment in Stratford. River cruise with ghost stories, magic and mind reading.
Into the Light exhibition at Compton Verney
31 March - 10 June
This exhibition surveys the production of paintings on both sides of the Channel during this decisive period in the history of European art, revealing connections and allowing a comparison of the artists' work. It also offers a rare opportunity to connsider whether British artists were merely following French innovations or were producing work that was more suited to contemporary British interests and values.
Midsummer Ghost Cruise in Stratford upon Avon
23 June
Unique evening entertainment in Stratford upon Avon. A river cruise with ghost stories, magic and mind reading.
Stratford Ghost Cruise
25 August
Unique evening entertainment in Stratford upon Avon. River cruise with ghost stories, magic and mind reading.
Motoring Record Breakers Exhibition
11 February - 2 September
Come and explore vehicles that created new horizons An exhibition presenting some of the fastest, the slowest and the more wacky motoring record breakers.
Motoring Record Breakers Season
11 February - 2 September
Heritage Motor Centre is set to host an exciting new exhibition entitled Motoring Record Breakers. The exhibition, which will run from 11 February 2 September 2012, will present the best of motoring record breakers including some of the fastest British cars, the slowest, smallest, most economical and the more wacky record breakers.
Shakespeare Festival 2012
23 April - 9 September
The World Shakespeare Festival, produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company, will run from 23 April to 9 September 2012, celebrating how the world performs, teaches and engages with Shakespeare. It will form part of the London 2012 Festival.
In a collaboration with many partners, including the Roundhouse, the Barbican, the National Theatre, and the BBC, we will welcome the world and celebrate Shakespeare as the worlds playwright, showcasing the best of UK and international creative talent, exploring Shakespeares place in the lives of young people and harnessing the energy and creativity of emerging artists and amateur companies.
The full programme will be announced in 2011, but productions and events will take place across the UK, in London, Stratford-upon-Avon, Newcastle/Gateshead, Wales and Scotland as well as online, with opportunities for everyone to get involved.
The RSCs own contribution includes 'What Country, friends, is this?', a cycle of plays where Shakespeare shipwrecks his protagonists on hostile shores and brave new worlds. Directors include Artistic Director, Michael Boyd, and RSC Associate Directors, Rupert Goold and David Farr.
In a collaboration with many partners, including the Roundhouse, the Barbican, the National Theatre, and the BBC, we will welcome the world and celebrate Shakespeare as the worlds playwright, showcasing the best of UK and international creative talent, exploring Shakespeares place in the lives of young people and harnessing the energy and creativity of emerging artists and amateur companies.
The full programme will be announced in 2011, but productions and events will take place across the UK, in London, Stratford-upon-Avon, Newcastle/Gateshead, Wales and Scotland as well as online, with opportunities for everyone to get involved.
The RSCs own contribution includes 'What Country, friends, is this?', a cycle of plays where Shakespeare shipwrecks his protagonists on hostile shores and brave new worlds. Directors include Artistic Director, Michael Boyd, and RSC Associate Directors, Rupert Goold and David Farr.
Stratford Ghost Cruise
29 September
Unique evening entertainment in Stratford upon Avon. River cruise with ghost stories, magic and mind reading.
Halloween Ghost Cruise
27 October
Unique evening entertainment in Stratford upon Avon. River cruise with ghost stories, magic and mind reading.
Stratford Ghost Cruise
24 November
Unique evening entertainment in Stratford upon Avon. River cruise with ghost stories, magic and mind reading.
Christmas Ghost Cruise
15 December
Unique evening entertainment in Stratford upon Avon. River cruise with ghost stories, magic and mind reading.
no holds bard- a tour of stratford...
club expo
sherlock holmes murder mystery
spring wedding open day
fright club
stratford magical cruise for mothe...
