Shakespeare Country in 2012

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With a wealth of heritage, theatre, arts, festivals and glorious gardens plus it being the year of the London Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, there is so much happening in Shakespeare Country in 2012.

Experience the World Shakespeare Festival, watch the Olympic Torch Relay pass through, enjoy the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations and experience witchcraft at Warwick Castle.

Whatever you do, make 2012 the year you explore the magic of Shakespeare Country.

Olympic fever comes to Stratford-upon-Avon in 2012 when the Royal Shakespeare Company offers an exciting mix of plays, exhibitions and events as part of the World Shakespeare Festival.

Produced by the RSC, the Festival runs from 23 April – November and brings leading artists from all over the world together in a UK-wide festival in the summer.

In Stratford-upon-Avon productions include Meera Syal as Beatrice in Much Ado about Nothing set in India (26 July – 15 Sept), and The Comedy of Errors, The Tempest and Twelfth Night, directed by David Farr and Palestinian director, Amir Nizar Zuabi (8 March -7 Oct). Visiting productions include Romeo and Juliet in Baghdad and Two Roses for Richard III.

Visitors can also enjoy a range of exhibitions, including Living Walls, which will see the walls of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre come alive with animated Shakespearean quotes.

Olympic fever is not restricted to the RSC as the Olympic Torch Relay comes through the heart of Shakespeare Country on Sunday 1 July 2012.

On the way from Birmingham to Coventry the route goes through many of the towns and villages of Warwickshire: Alcester, Evesham, Wickhamford, Broadway, Chipping Campden, Newbold on Stour, Alderminster, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwick, Royal Leamington Spa and Kenilworth before stopping overnight in Coventry.

The City of Coventry is an Olympic venue having been selected to be the Midlands venue for Olympic Football and hosting 12 matches.

A number of the family attractions in Shakespeare Country are working together to produce a Big Ticket to enable visitors to make a short break of their visit to the City of Coventry Stadium.

At Shakespeare’s Birthplace an exhibition “Stories of Shakespeare” will run from 21 April – 31 December exploring themes of home and journeys.

The current exhibition “All the World’s a Stage” runs until April and features objects showing the influence of Shakespeare around the world.

One of the best times to visit Stratford and the Birthplace is during the annual Birthday Celebrations. Taking place on 21/22 April (his Birthday being 23 April), the town will be filled with performance and carnival. Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and gardens will feature a new lavender maze plus new events bringing to life the glorious grounds of this most romantic house.

Mary Arden’s Farm will sport a new event and exhibition in July to coincide with the Olympics – Muscles, Ball’s and Bowls will bring to life the sports and games of Tudor times. Hall’s Croft will undergo vital conservation work and visitors will be able to get the inside story on the work in progress.

Encounter Witches, Lovers and Boats at Warwick Castle in 2012.

Witch watch, a new witchcraft experience revealing recent discoveries will open in early 2012.

Discover how witches played a prominent role at the site from its earliest days as the fortification of Ethelfleda, daughter of Alfred the Great.

2012 is set to be momentous not least due to the Diamond Jubilee, the Olympic Torch Relay and for ‘leaplings’ born on 29 February, the Leap Year brings much-anticipated birthday celebrations.

Tradition allows for women to propose to men on this date once every four years and the Castle will assist ladies in securing the answer they seek. Merlin: The Dragon Tower will mark its first birthday on St George’s Day with celebrations, dragon hunting and displays of heroism.

In spring, visitors will be able to take advantage of the river for the first time with river boating. Summer 2012 will bring the first World Jousting Tournament to the historic site with a celebration of horseback heroics.

The Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival, which takes place from 22 – 28 April, is perfect for those who want to combine a visit to Stratford with a literary festival event.

Past speakers have included the likes of Patricia Routledge to Celia Imrie, John Simpson, Wendy Cope, Jeffrey Archer and many more.

The Stratford upon Avon River Festival takes place in Stratford on 30 June & 1 July when the banks and waterways of the Avon come alive.

With a programme of events there’s something for all the family to enjoy at this unique free event.

Check out water based activities, admire over 100 narrow boats, feast on global foods, be inspired by the Charity village, pick up a gift at the Craft market, participate in a workshop, or simply listen to a selection of world class bands and performers on the band stand.

The Heritage Motor Centre, home to the world’s largest collection of historic British cars, boasts a number of exciting and interactive exhibitions in 2012.

Ladybird Big Book of Motor Cars Exhibition runs until 15 January and features a nostalgic collection of over 120 Ladybird books and over 30 original artwork illustrations.

Best of British Motoring Record Breakers runs from mid February – end August. Being the year of the Olympics, the HMC will present the best of British motoring record breakers such as some of the fastest British cars, the smallest, the most economical etc.

The Centre will also be celebrating theQueens Diamond Jubilee over the official Jubilee Weekend of the 2-5 June with a display of Royal cars and the lighting of one of many of Her majesty’s official Birthday Beacons on the 4 June.

For accommodation, special offers and more information visit the official website: www.Shakespeare-Country.co.uk or call Shakespeare Country on 01926 471 329.