 |  | The rain held off and the sun kept shining - most of the time at least - as hundreds of people gathered in Stratford for the centrepiece of the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations on Saturday, 26 April 2003.
The celebrations marking the birth - and death - of the Bard on 23 April traditionally occupy the closest weekend to his birthday, and they always make for a spectacular display for locals and tourists alike.
Among the activities taking place annually are a procession through the town, a luncheon, special birthday lecture, a theatre performance dedicated to the occasion and the Shakespeare Marathon.
To see some pictures from the celebration weekend, click on the Images button below to launch the Birthday Gallery.
The celebrations ran throughout April but began in earnest on Friday with the birthday lecture at the Shakespeare Institute.
This year, the lecture was titled: The New Globe's Aims and Discoveries and was delivered by Patrick Spotttiswoode, director of the Globe, in conversation with Professor Russell Jackson of the institute.
The celebrations continued with a special cocktail party and reception for special guests, hosted by mayor Vince Seaman, and a concert, given by the Orchestra of the Swan.
Saturday dawned with forecasts of showers but nothing could dampen the spirits of the dignitaries and special guests from all over the UK and the world, who had gathered for the procession in New Place Gardens.
The traditional route takes the procession from New Place, through the town for the unfurling of the flags - a string of flags are unfurled on flag poles around Market Square in the town centre, each representing a works by Shakespeare.
The train of guests then snaked up to Shakespeare's Birthplace for a visit, before travelling down to Holy Trinity Church, where the Bard was laid to rest to place the traditional flowers on his grave.
|  | Morris Men joined in the procession |
Joining the procession on its second leg were members of the public who wished to join the tribute by laying flowers.
It was then time for the Shakespeare Birthday Luncheon, a fantastic affair where hundreds of specially invited guests gather in a fabulous marquee for lunch and speeches in honour of the Bard and those who work to keep his name alive.
The luncheon sees the annual presentation of the Pragnell Award, which is presented to those who have made an "outstanding achievement in extending the appreciation and enjoyment of Shakespeare's works."
The honour was bestowed on Professor Stanley Wells in 2003, which proved a very popular choice as he has spent many years devoted to Shakespeare and the study of his works.
|  | Shakespeare, as immortalised on a Stratford building |
Professor Wells is a vice director of the RSC's board of governors, is also chairman of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and an eminent Shakespeare Scholar, being pivotal in the role of the Shakespeare Institute.
Speeches were also given by Earl Russell, who toasted the Immortal Memory of Shakespeare, Michael Coveney, theatre critic of the Daily Mail, who toasted The Theatre and the toast the Worldwide Appreciation of Shakespeare was given by Dr Vladeta Jankovic, ambassador of Serbia and Montenegro.
While the party went on late into the afternoon, the public outside were treated to displays, music and dancing on the Bancroft Gardens and beyond, by groups including the Shakespeare Morris Men.
On Saturday night, the RSC joined in the celebrations with a special performance of Measure for Measure, which went down a storm in the packed main house.
Sunday began on a solemn note with the annual birthday service at Holy Trinity Church, which this year was given by the Bishop of Oxford, the Right Rev Richard Harries, then it was on to the recreation ground for the Shakespeare Marathon.
The annual event, now in its 22nd year, has become a major event in the athletics calendar and is hotly contested - as well as being run just for fun by some game athletes.
Winner of the men's marathon this year was Matty Adcock, winner of the women's event was Melanie Ellis, winner of the men's half marathon was William Musyoki and winner of the women's half marathon was Kate Hext.
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