The traditional Birthday Celebrations return to Stratford-upon-Avon in April, extending a hand of cultural friendship to many national and international visitors who come to join in the festivities.

We look forward to welcoming everyone to Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday 25 April 2026 for this year’s event.

Community Grant

This year, we are very happy to be working with Warwickshire County Council (WCC), Heritage & Culture Warwickshire (HCW), and Stratford Town Trust ( STT),  ahead of the launch of the Arts and Culture Strategy for the town, to be able to bring community grants to the weekend celebrations. 

Applicant Information Sheet (For groups and individuals applying for funding)

Event date: Saturday 25 April & Sunday 26 April 
Event: Shakespeare Birthday Celebration (community-led performances, parade, and workshops)
Funding available: Small grants to help community groups/individuals deliver activities as part of the celebration max £300

1) What is this fund for?

We are offering funding to support community groups, artists, and local organisations to help make Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebration on 25 & 26 April something joyful, creative, and welcoming.

The fund is designed to help cover the practical costs of taking part — so that brilliant ideas can happen without groups being out of pocket.

2) What kind of activities can be funded?

We welcome proposals that bring people together and create a festival feel. Ideas include (but aren’t limited to):

Performances

• Short scenes, monologues, spoken word, readings
• Choirs, bands, drumming groups, dance groups
• Youth showcases 
• Shakespeare-inspired or themed work (modern interpretations welcome)

Parade / procession contributions

• Costumes, banners, props, lanterns
• Musical walking groups / drumming / street performance
• Community groups joining in with a themed entry

Workshops and drop-in activities

• Drama / voice / movement / storytelling
• Costume-making, mask-making, crafts, prop-building
• Creative writing, poetry, bookmaking
• Family-friendly “have-a-go” sessions
• Inclusive and accessible activities (strongly encouraged)

3) Who can apply?

Applications are welcome from:

• Community groups, charities, voluntary organisations
• Arts/heritage/cultural groups
• Individual artists/creatives (where appropriate)

We especially welcome applications that involve:

• Children and young people
• Older residents
• People who face barriers to participation (cost, access needs, isolation)
• Underrepresented communities
• Intergenerational or cross-community activity

4) What can the grant pay for?

Funding can be used for reasonable costs directly linked to delivering your activity, such as:

• Materials (craft supplies, costume/prop materials, printing)
• Performer / workshop leader fees (where appropriate)
• Equipment hire (e.g., small PA, instruments, tables)
• Travel costs (local, essential travel only)
• Accessibility costs (e.g., extra support workers, adapted materials)

Funding cannot be used for:

• Costs not connected to the event
• Alcohol
• Major capital purchases

5) How much funding is available?

Grant size: £300
We aim to fund a mix of smaller and larger activity proposals to create a varied programme.

If you’re not sure what to ask for, submit your best estimate — we can discuss and adjust.

6) Key delivery expectations (if you are funded)

If successful, you will be expected to:

• Deliver your agreed activity on Saturday 25 April or Sunday 26 April 2026
• Provide a basic risk assessment
• Hold appropriate insurance where required (or discuss alternatives with us)
• Follow safeguarding expectations if working with under-18s/vulnerable adults
• Share a short post-event update (a few sentences + photos if permitted)