The Royal Shakespeare Company is offering visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon a wide range of activities to help mark Shakespeare’s Birthday as part of the town’s annual celebrations on Saturday 20 April, ahead of his real birthday on 23 April.

Much of what’s on offer has been created with the involvement of the local community.

Free events include performances of Parade – The Giant Wheel - a choreographed procession, created by Autin Dance Theatre, featuring a 12 foot tall giant wheel and members of the local community; family friendly workshops, including storytelling sessions based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the opportunity to explore Shakespeare’s characters, themes and language; and a range of colourful and mindful activities promoting kindness and acceptance.

During the town’s Birthday Parade, which starts at 11am, a Community Flag, created by groups from Warm Hubs across Stratford-upon-Avon, will be unfurled.

The RSC will also reopen The Play’s The Thing, its permanent theatre-making exhibition, made up of items including costumes and props from the RSC’s vast Collection, offering unique insights into the history of theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon since 1879. Many of the items on display have been chosen in consultation with local community groups.

And, of course, there will be the chance to see Love’s Labour’s Lost, featuring Bridgerton’s Luke Thompson in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre (1.15pm and 7.15pm), and The Buddha of Suburbia, a new adaptation of Hanif Kureishi’s award-winning novel in the Swan Theatre (7.30pm).

For more information, visit: rsc.org.uk/shakespeares-birthday