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 and Civic Hall Theatre, 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 2013
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.
Stratford Ghost Cruise
Tomorrow
Evening Ghost Cruise on the River Avon in Stratford upon Avon. The Man in Black or Vincent will entertain with ghostly stories, magic and mind reading.
Comedy Hullabaloo
23 May - 26 May 2013
The Comedy Hullabaloo is a brand new comedy festival, taking place in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon on the late May bank holiday weekend, 23-26 May 2013.
Annual Bluebell Walk at Whatcote
27 May 2013
Annual Bluebell Walk at Whatcote
If you enjoy a walk through lovely countryside the parishioners of Whatcote, near Shipston-on-Stour, are holding their Annual Bluebell Walk on Sunday May 6th.
If you enjoy a walk through lovely countryside the parishioners of Whatcote, near Shipston-on-Stour, are holding their Annual Bluebell Walk on Sunday May 6th.
INTRODUCTION TO ANIMATION ? A ONE ANIMATION WORKSHOP
28 May 2013
This, one day course, is a chance to experience the world of cars through animation and bring them to life on the big screen as you explore the wonderful world of 'stop motion' animation.
'Cars through the Lens' ? A one day children's digital photography workshop
29 May 2013
Uncover the story of the British motor industry with the exciting and interactive exhibitions. Home to the world's largest collection of historic British cars and great fun for all the family.
Family activity - Mass Doodle
Tomorrow - 31 May 2013
Be inspired by artists in our Outside In exhibition and show us how you feel by taking part in our mass doodle. Use biro, fine liners and artists pens to add to our large, collaborative piece.
Family activity - Storytelling
27 May - 31 May 2013
Join Connie and Verne for their latest adventure in our interactive story telling sessions.
The Extreme Stunt Show
31 May 2013
Extreme exciting entertainment is exactly what the Extreme Stunt Show is all abut, and you can see it LIVE here in Stratford upon Avon.
Its a Bugs life!
31 Aug - 31 May 2013
Come along and build a bug hotel, the perfect home to house bugs from the garden! Then sit back, admire your handiwork and identify what the bugs are and what important tasks they do!
Orchestra of the Swan's Spring Sounds - Spring Seas
31 May 2013
Spring Seas features two commissions from Kyo-Shin-An Arts and one from the UK. The first is the world premiere of Shakuhachi Concerto by Paul Moravec (Pulitzer Prize 2004). The concerto is in three movements and the third movement is based on the six-note melody, C-D-G-A-E-F, which William Shakespeare spelled out in his comedy, Love's Labour's Lost.
Stratford Arts festival
23 May - 2 Jun 2013
Welcome to the 2013 Stratford-upon-Avon Arts Festival
Stratford upon Avon Arts Festival. Presenting world class performers and artists to a town steeped in history, culture and a desire to be recognised as such. A festival based on quality acts and works from the world of music, theatre, dance, comedy, visual arts and film. A festival for the people of Stratford upon Avon, its businesses and for our welcome guests. An inclusive festival for a culturally rich community.
Stratford upon Avon Arts Festival. Presenting world class performers and artists to a town steeped in history, culture and a desire to be recognised as such. A festival based on quality acts and works from the world of music, theatre, dance, comedy, visual arts and film. A festival for the people of Stratford upon Avon, its businesses and for our welcome guests. An inclusive festival for a culturally rich community.
Motoring Art and Design - M>A>D
17 May - 2 Jun 2013
This May half term children of all ages can explore cars with a special Motoring, Art and Design - M>A>D theme from 25th May - 2nd June.
M>A>D Drawing Bits
Tomorrow - 2 Jun 2013
Design your own unique car! Taking inspiration from the cars in the Museum, choose your favourite bits from a selection of cars and have a go at drawing your own 'MAD bit' car, stick it on our Cool Wall and there will be a prize for the best M.A.D bit car designed.
M>A>D
Tomorrow - 2 Jun 2013
Motoring Art and Design 'M>A>D' is our theme for May half term. There will an exhibition of artworks from the Guild of Motoring Artists, supported by workshops from our own artist in residence Ian Cook of PopBangColour, who paints using remote controlled cars and a children's stock animation workshop. More details will be released along with booking information nearer the time.
River Cruise with Ploughmans and Ghost Walk
8 Jun 2013
Evening river cruise in Stratford upon Avon with ploughmans platter, followed by a Ghost Walk around the 'haunted' streets.
Classic and Vintage Commercial Show
8 Jun - 9 Jun 2013
A colourful step back in time - a two-day show, featuring a diverse selection of classic and vintage vehicles, pre-1985. Event prices apply both days. Gift Aid Season tickets, Tesco Club cards or any other promotional offers are not valid on this day.
Orchestra of the Swan's Spring Sounds - In Memoriam
14 Jun 2013
Orchestra of the Swan are joined by their Chamber Choir for Britten's Cantata Miserecordium and the concert ends in reflective mood with Shostakovich Symphony no14. The symphony is dedicated to Benjamin Britten who gave the UK premiere in 1970.
Wellesbourne on Wheels
15 Jun 2013
Saturday, 15th June 2013
As part of National Bicycle Week (15 ? 23 June), celebrate Britain's favourite two wheeled mode of transport! Look around a collection of beautiful old, new and retro bicycles including Bill Chedham's very own treasured bike.
As part of National Bicycle Week (15 ? 23 June), celebrate Britain's favourite two wheeled mode of transport! Look around a collection of beautiful old, new and retro bicycles including Bill Chedham's very own treasured bike.
Orchestra of the Swan's Spring Sounds - Master and Pupil
21 Jun 2013
Orchestra of the Swan's Spring Sounds series ends with one of Britten's most astonishing works, the virtuoso and affectionate tribute to his teacher, the Variations on a theme of Frank Bridge.
'Allo 'Allo
10 Jun - 22 Jun 2013
Based on the popular TV series, the stage version of 'Allo 'Allo ..... "Listen very carefully, I shall say zis only once ....."
Stratford Ghost Cruise
22 Jun 2013
Evening Ghost Cruise on the River Avon in Stratford upon Avon. The Man in Black or Vincent will entertain with ghostly stories, magic and mind reading.
Bellini, Botticelli, Titian? 500 years of Italian Art
23 Mar - 23 Jun 2013
This spectacular exhibition comprises forty of the City of Glasgow's greatest
Italian paintings ? the finest and most comprehensive civic collection in the UK,and mostly unseen outside Glasgow.
Italian paintings ? the finest and most comprehensive civic collection in the UK,and mostly unseen outside Glasgow.
Ragley Hall Triathlon
23 Jun 2013
Ragley Hall Middle Distance Charity Triathlon held in the stunning grounds of Ragley Hall, Alcester, Warwickshire.
The event includes an open water lake swim, 90km bike ride and a 21km run, mainly off road.
The event includes an open water lake swim, 90km bike ride and a 21km run, mainly off road.
Blenheim Palace Flower Show
21 Jun - 23 Jun 2013
Blenheim Palace is delighted to announce a brand new event in 2013 - The Blenheim Palace Flower Show, taking place from Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd June. This wonderful three-day flower and garden show, will feature over 150 floral and gardens exhibitors, a Grand Floral Marquee with RHS judges, ten garden landscapes, and lots more including food and refreshments and family activities.
Community Day
29 Jun 2013
A fun day out inspired to bring our fantastic community together here in Wellesbourne! Fun inspiring activities for all the family.
Kineton Music Festival
29 Jun 2013
A Kineton based Music Festival that focuses on Warwickshire based Musical talent.
Grounds Weekend
29 Jun - 30 Jun 2013
Join us for our fabulous bird-themed weekend in the grounds inspired by our incredible new artwork Empty Nest by Hilary Jack. Learn all about the curious life of birds with falconry displays, Forest school activities, nest building, bird portraits, storytelling and much more.
River Cruise with Ploughmans and Ghost Walk
5 Jul 2013
Evening river cruise in Stratford upon Avon, with a ploughmans platter, followed by a Ghost Walk around the 'haunted' streets.
Brook by John Lendis
11 May - 6 Jul 2013
International artist John Lendis's solo exhibition, Brook, which pursues Ophelia in paintings of the Artist and his Muse. The exhibition opens at 6pm on Saturday 11 May at the Celia Lendis Gallery in Moreton-in-Marsh and continues until 6 July 2013.
Stratford River Festival
6 Jul - 7 Jul 2013
The highly successful Stratford-upon-Avon River Festival will once again bring the waterways of Stratford alive, with boatloads of family fun, on the 6th & 7th of July 2013.
BMC and Leyland Show!
7 Jul 2013
A brand new show celebrating over 100 years of British vehicles at the Heritage Motor Centre.
Open Studios
13 Jul 2013
Meet three local professional artists with work for sale on display around the yard as part of Warwickshire's largest visual arts event. Includes Ros Ingram's quirky ceramic fish and Amanda Glanville's lampworked glass beads. www.warwickshireopenstudios.org/
Stratford Ghost Cruise
27 Jul 2013
Evening Ghost Cruise on the River Avon in Stratford upon Avon. The Man in Black or Vincent will entertain with ghostly stories, magic and mind reading.
Its all about wood
27 Jul 2013
See the old fashioned and traditional methods of wood-turning and carving. Marvel at Bill Chedham's very own wood carvings and watch the fascinating process of wood being turned into objects.
Geocaching Mega Event 2013
3 Aug 2013
The UK's largest Geocaching event - a chance to get yourself started, find your first Geocache & meet seasoned Geocachers.
River Cruise with Ploughmans and Ghost Walk
10 Aug 2013
Evening cruise on the River Avon, with ploughmans platter, followed by a Ghost Walk in 'haunted' Stratford upon Avon.
PopBang Painting
13 Aug - 15 Aug 2013
Come and meet an artist with a difference - one that paints with remote controlled cars! Meet Ian Cook of PopBangColour, artist in residence at the Heritage Motor Centre,. Watch how he works, have a go yourself, create portraits with car parts, landscapes with micro-machines and doodle on car panels. A great hands-on activity for all the family.
Bee Fest
17 Aug 2013
Find out about these amazing insects with talks and demonstrations from Bee-keeper's and lots of fun bee-inspired activities including a quiz, crafts and delicious local honey-tasting.
The Battle of Southam
17 Aug - 18 Aug 2013
The Battle of Southam took place on 23rd August 1642
And now for the re-match...
...on the weekend of
17th and 18th August 2013
People of Southam and District this 1s your call to arms
And now for the re-match...
...on the weekend of
17th and 18th August 2013
People of Southam and District this 1s your call to arms
Stratford Ghost Cruise
24 Aug 2013
Evening Ghost Cruise on the River Avon in Stratford upon Avon. The Man in Black or Vincent will entertain with ghostly stories, magic and mind reading.
Ragley Hall Battle Proms Picnic Concert 2013
31 Aug 2013
The UK's premier classical picnic proms with Spitfire, cannons, cavalry and fireworks!
Summer Holiday Activities
20 Jul - 1 Sep 2013
This summer's family activities will be themed 'Speed and Style' - combining the iconic Jaguar Heritage collection, now housed at the Heritage Motor Centre, along with celebrations for the Aston Martin centenary, there will be a program of family craft events (every Thursday), workshops and special tours.
River Cruise with Ploughmans and Ghost Walk
7 Sep 2013
Evening river cruise with ploughmans platter, followed by a Ghostly Walk in 'haunted' Stratford upon Avon
Retro Truck Show
15 Sep 2013
Featuring trucks from 1965 to 1995 - a great day out for all the family, young or old!
Stratford Food Festival
14 Sep - 15 Sep 2013
The Stratford Food Festival 2013 is set to be bigger and better than ever this year with over 100 food and drink exhibitors there will be something to suit everyone's taste buds.
Stratford Ghost Cruise
21 Sep 2013
Evening Ghost Cruise on the River Avon in Stratford upon Avon. The Man in Black or Vincent will entertain with ghostly stories, magic and mind reading.
Turner and Constable: Sketching from nature. Works from the Tate collection
13 Jul - 22 Sep 2013
Compton Verney will premiere this major exhibition which includes approximately 50 works by Turner,Constable and their contemporaries. These worksprovide a unique exploration of how the art of oil sketching in the landscape, rather than in the studio,became fashionable in the late 18th and early 19th
centuries.
centuries.
Gaydon Autumn Classic and Cream Tea Run
22 Sep 2013
The final classic gathering for the season - arrive in a classic car and get into the Museum for the classic price of £5 per person.
October Half Term - Family Fun and Halloween Activities
26 Oct - 3 Oct 2013
October Half Term - Transport in Miniature.
Apple Mania
12 Oct 2013
Celebrate the Great British Apple with lots of fun apple activities and apple-tastic refreshments! Watch an apple press at work, hear an apple talk, enjoy apple games plus buy apple produce to take home!
Alcester & Arden Autumn Food Festival
19 Oct 2013
Due to the ever increasing popularity and huge success of the 'Spring' Alcester & Arden Food Festival, the Committee are pleased to announce an extra date added to the 2013 calendar of Saturday 19th October 2013.
Spook Fest
26 Oct 2013
Enjoy some traditional Halloween fun including pumpkin carving, face painting and creepy craft activities!
Halloween Ghost Cruise
26 Oct 2013
Unique evening entertainment in Stratford upon Avon. River cruise with ghost stories, magic and mind reading.
Curious Beasts: Animal Prints from the British Museum
5 Aug - 15 Nov 2013
This exhibition will explore our enduring curiosity about the animal world through the beautiful and bizarre imagery found in the rich print collections of the British Museum. The exhibition features artists including Albrecht Dürer, Francisco Goya and George Stubbs.
Stratford Ghost Cruise
30 Nov 2013
Evening Ghost Cruise on the River Avon in Stratford upon Avon. The Man in Black or Vincent will entertain with ghostly stories, magic and mind reading.
Shakespeare's Town Tour of Stratford upon Avon
19 Jan - 30 Nov 2013
Tour the beautiful town of Stratford upon Avon, with William Shakespeare as your guide. William will relate tales of his life, Tudor England, his loves and inspirations. The tour passes his birthplace, local tavern, his daughter's houses, his school and ends at where he is buried. The tours start at 2pm outside his birthplace in Henley Street. The tour takes place at 2pm every Saturday and everyday during holiday periods. Duration: 90 mins.
Victorian Christmas
14 Dec 2013
Step back in time and experience a traditional Victorian Christmas with roasted chestnuts, Christmas themed cakes, complimentary mulled wine/hot apple and mini mince pies, music, readings and a guest appearance from Father Christmas!
Shakespear's Birthplace 3D lightshow
21 Nov - 19 Dec 2013
In a first for Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's Birthplace will be the centre of a unique FREE 3D lightshow running every evening from the 21st November to 19th December 2013.
This event is part of Operation Footfall and supported by Warwickshire County Council.
This event is part of Operation Footfall and supported by Warwickshire County Council.
Christmas Ghost Cruise
21 Dec 2013
Evening cruise in Stratford, with ghost stories, magic and mind reading.
Town Walk on Monday
3 Sep - 3 Sep 2014
Best Visitor Attraction Godiva Award winner. Guided sightseeing walks 365 days. Ghost walks and ghost cruises. Groups by arrangement.
Town Walk on Thursday at 11am
10 Jan - 18 Dec 2014
Best Visitor Attraction Godiva Award winner. Guided sightseeing walks 365 days. Ghost walks and ghost cruises. Groups by arrangement.
Thursday evening Ghost Walk in Stratford upon Avon
11 Jan - 18 Dec 2014
Best Visitor Attraction Godiva Award winner. Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence and Pride of Stratford Awards Finalist.
Christmas Day guided walk in Stratford upon Avon
25 Dec - 25 Dec 2014
Christmas Day festive guided walk in Shakespeare's Stratford upon Avon.
Friday Ghost Walk in Stratford
11 Jan - 26 Dec 2014
Best Visitor Attraction Godiva Award winner. Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence and Pride of Stratford Awards Finalist.
Saturday 7.30pm Ghostly Walk in haunted Stratford
5 Jan - 27 Dec 2014
Best Visitor Attraction Godiva Award winner. Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence and Pride of Stratford Awards Finalist.
Monday evening Ghost Walk
7 Jan - 29 Dec 2014
Best Visitor Attraction Godiva Award winner. Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence and Pride of Stratford Awards Finalist.
Town Walk on Friday
7 Sep - 31 Dec 2014
Best Visitor Attraction Godiva Award winner. Guided sightseeing walks 365 days. Ghost walks and ghost cruises. Groups by arrangement.
Saturday Town Walk
15 Sep - 31 Dec 2014
Best Visitor Attraction Godiva Award winner. Guided sightseeing walks 365 days. Ghost walks and ghost cruises. Groups by arrangement.
Town Walk on Tuesday
4 Sep - 31 Dec 2014
Best Visitor Attraction Godiva Award winner. Guided sightseeing walks 365 days. Ghost walks and ghost cruises. Groups by arrangement.
Town Walk on Wednesday
4 Sep - 31 Dec 2014
Best Visitor Attraction Godiva Award winner. Guided sightseeing walks 365 days. Ghost walks and ghost cruises. Groups by arrangement.
Town Walk on Sunday
2 Sep - 31 Dec 2014
Best Visitor Attraction Godiva Award winner. Guided sightseeing walks 365 days. Ghost walks and ghost cruises. Groups by arrangement.
Pirates & Princesses Children's Parties
8 Feb - 8 Feb 2015
Avast there me hearties! Bring your young'uns to this here Tudor museum for an adventure! Be they pirates or princesses, they be bound to have a great time.
Ghost Tours by lantern light
2 Aug - 2 Aug 2015
Are you brave enough to take a ghost tours in "England's Most Haunted building"?
Stratford Ghost Cruise
Comedy Hullabaloo
Annual Bluebell Walk at Whatcote
INTRODUCTION TO ANIMATION ? A ONE ...
'Cars through the Lens' ? A one da...
Orchestra of the Swan's Spring Sou...
Family activity - Mass Doodle
