This film is part of Free
To Shakespeare's Memory
Pomp and ceremony in Stratford-upon-Avon for the Bard's birthday
Overview
A 363rd birthday might not be an especially portentous one, but residents and dignitaries of Stratford-upon-Avon still turned out in force to mark Shakespeare's anniversary on this blustery day in 1928. The ceremonial unfurling of "many national flags" is followed by a visit to the playwright's birthplace in Henley Street and the laying of wreaths at his tombstone in Holy Trinity Church.
Only Shakespeare's christening on 26 April 1564 is officially recorded, but since the ceremony was usually performed three days after a child's birth, the Bard's birthday is celebrated on 23 April.
Related
Hamlet Hamlet
Drama 1913 54 mins Silent
Johnston Forbes-Roberston gives his famous performance of Hamlet in this ambitious early Shakespeare feature
Next Next
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1989 5 mins
Two virtuoso performances in one β Shakespeare's complete works presented in puppet form by a master of animation
Sir Ian McKellen introduces Richard III (1995) Sir Ian McKellen introduces Richard III (1995)
Short documentary 2016 1 mins
Sir Ian McKellen reflects on his most renowned on-screen Shakespearean role, reprised from Richard Eyre's acclaimed National Theatre production.
Welcome to Shakespeare Land! Welcome to Shakespeare Land!
Short documentary 2016 14 mins
Travel back in time to a bygone Stratford-upon-Avon through the lens of the BFI's fascinating collection of Shakespeare-themed travelogues.
Shakespeare on Stage, Screen and Elsewhere with Ian McKellen Shakespeare on Stage, Screen and Elsewhere with Ian McKellen
Inside Film 2016 73 mins
Acting legend Ian McKellen discusses his impressive range of Shakespearean performances.
Twelfth Night Twelfth Night
Comedy 1910 11 mins Silent
Vitagraphβs charming 1910 interpretation features some notably lively performances.
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archiveβs role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.