Newly merged Stratford-upon-Avon College, together with its partner Solihull College & University Centre, joined the festivities at this year’s Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebrations.
Lindsey Stewart, Chief Operating Officer at the Stratford-upon-Avon campus, took a key role in the festivities, revealing the new College leadership’s commitment to Stratford’s community events and making a positive impact on the local area.
The celebrations, which follow a tradition started in 1824, were held on Saturday 21 April and took place in Stratford town centre, with civic dignitaries and – as befits the great man being honoured – guests from the worlds of literature and theatre in attendance.
Accompanied by a small group of students, Mrs Stewart took part in the spectacular birthday parade which set off from the Swan Theatre Gardens and culminated in the arrival of a large birthday cake and a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday, Mr Shakespeare”!
As part of the celebrations, organisations from across the local area traditionally set up flags throughout Stratford and unfurl them to mark the Bard’s birthday. This year, as flags simultaneously billowed out across the town, the College’s flag was unfurled by Mrs Stewart herself.
Commenting on her role, which demonstrates the close relationship between the two colleges and her own personal commitment to Stratford, Mrs Stewart said: “I was delighted to play a part in the festivities to celebrate the birthday of Stratford’s greatest son, and felt honoured to be representing Stratford-upon-Avon College by unfurling our flag.”
