 |  | Shakespeare's Birthday celebration events take place on the weekend closest to his birthday on April 23rd. The Bard was born in 1564, making him 439 in 2003!
 While the special day is also St George's Day we're very focused on Shakespeare.  | | Nick Walsh, Chairman of the birthday celebrations |
In 2003, the weekend is being held on 25-27 April. On Saturday, 26 April, there will be a massive parade through the streets of Stratford.
The celebrations always include traditional dancing, a marathon, street entertainment, the ceremony of the unfurling of the flags and many special birthday events.
Below is a listing of annual events that take place during the Birthday weekend. We will have more specific details of 2003 events nearer the time.
|  | A Tug of War game is part of the celebrations |
Procession
Saturday is the day for the formal procession, past the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and through the town.
Ceremony of unfurling flags
This first full day of the celebrations is also when the ceremony of unfurling flags takes place.
The unfurling of the banners for the works in the Shakespeare canon takes place in Bridge Street, Henley Street, High Street and Union Street.
|  | A teddy bear dressed as the great man for the celebrations |
Entertainment
Free street entertainment is usually provided throughout the weekend, with folk dancing, circus performers, musicians and more.
Evening entertainment
Traditionally, there is evening entertainment on both the Friday and Saturday nights of the weekend, usually with a ball, concerts and a special performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Shakespeare Service
Every year, the Sunday of the Birthday weekend sees a Shakespeare Service in Holy Trinity Church.
Shakespeare Marathon
For the energetic, Sunday also hosts the Shakespeare Marathon and half marathon.
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