Celebrating Shakespeare Week

Shakespeare Week is a national annual celebration organised by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust which took place during 16-22 March 2015, giving primary school children a great first encounter with Shakespeare.

As part of the celebrations over 300 children from schools in Stratford-upon-Avon visited Anne Hathaway’s Cottage to plant 1,000 bluebells in the woodlands. We were delighted to offer support by supplying the bluebell bulbs and donating gardening equipment for the children to plant with.

It has been estimated that almost a million children took part in Shakespeare Week 2015, which encourages schools, children and their families to explore their local arts and heritage sites and continue their Shakespearian adventures where they live.

The bluebell planting project is part of the Shakespeare Week 2015 celebrations and was managed by Scott Boyden, Gardens Manager at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, who said:

“We ordered the bluebell bulbs from John Chambers Wildflower Seed. We were delighted when they got in touch and offered us some free equipment for the children to use. We always appreciate any donations like this and it was lovely to see the children having so much fun, whilst learning and helping to preserve the garden in Anne Hathaway’s Cottage for future generations to enjoy.”

A spokesperson from John Chambers Wildflower Seed commented:

“We are involved in lots of community projects and are always delighted when children have the opportunity to be involved. Its projects like this that inspire the gardeners’ of the future. Wildflowers are so quintessentially British, which goes hand in hand with Shakespeare.”

Volunteers play a crucial role within the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, supporting staff to enhance the visitor experience. For more information about volunteering opportunities with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, visit www.shakespeare.org.uk or email us at volunteering@shakespeare.org.uk.