Shakespeare to be centrepiece of London's St George's Day celebrations

A celebration of the life and work of England's greatest playwright William Shakespeare will be one of the highlights at the Mayor of London's festivities to mark St George's Day, which take place in Trafalgar Square on Saturday 23 April, the 400th anniversary of the Bard's death.

It is the 13th year that the Mayor has organised celebrations in the heart of the capital for England's patron saint. As well as delicious food, celebrity chefs, live music, children's activities and other attractions, this year's Feast of St George will host the launch of an interactive digital library, created by Vodafone and the British Library. By inviting people to simply scan a QR code printed on virtual library books, The Digital Library will bring Shakespeare's work to life, and make some of the earliest and rarest editions of the Bard's plays available to Londoners and tourists alike for free, before embarking on a tour across the UK and appearing in countries around the world.

The free event will also include a Midsummer Night's Dream Enchanted Forest, which will take children on a magical journey, with trees, fairies, elves and sprites under the watchful eye of Titania and Oberon, the King and Queen of the Fairies. There will be a musical wishing tree, the chance to create headpieces, meet the Fairy Princess and even feed the feasting dragon, as well as the chance to meet real owls.

Two actors from Shakespeare's Globe will be strolling around the square throughout the afternoon reciting some of his famous sonnets. The Paddock Singers, who are involved in Shakespeare's Globe's Sonnet Walks, will also be popping up to sing traditional songs.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: 'London is hosting another fantastic celebration for St George's Day, this year bringing in another pillar of English culture, the great Bard himself. It's a superb family day out and all are welcome.'

Big crowds are expected to pack into Cook's Corner, where they will be treated to live cooking demonstrations by renowned restaurateur and author Ed Baines and BBC One Masterchef winner Natalie Coleman.

The Feast Bandstand will host a variety of live music throughout the day, including the Covent Garden String Quartet, bringing a lively mix of classical and popular music, and the Chameleon Brass Band with their own brand of 'funked up Brass Hop'. Princes in The Tower, a costumed electro group offering unique interpretations of early music, will get the medieval party started. Accordion and fiddle players English Band Café and Victorian music-hall duo Allcock and Brown and will also entertain the crowds with their inventive music.

People should look out for the festive flag and ribbon dancers, Magical Crystal Titania with her mystical crystal ball and the roaming court jester, who will be entertaining everybody with his tricks. The Alternative Bard of Avon will also be on hand to give a comical recital of Shakespeare’s best known quotes.

As at previous St George's Day events in the square, some of the best independent producers will be selling high quality food and drink, including hog roast and sausages; tasty pies and breads; fine cheeses and delicious ice cream; fishy treats and vegan food; and fresh lemonade and English fudge. People will be able to eat at tables decorated in red and white in the large medieval style banqueting area, situated between the iconic fountains, with the feasting dragon watching over them. The Trafalgar Square Café will also be offering high tea, with scones, cakes and a variety of teas.

The Mayor is also supporting The Complete Walk, a 2.5 mile route along the Southbank created by Shakespeare's Globe, which will see 37 screens showing specially made short films featuring leading actors performing scenes from the Bard's plays. Taking place 23-24 April, actors include Simon Russell Beale, Peter Capaldi, Dominic West and Zawe Ashton. Transport for London (TfL) have also partnered with the Globe to create a special edition Tube map, replacing station names with famous characters, plays and modern adaptations of Shakespeare's works.

Mayor's video message for St George's Day: www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9LRtDWJwfU

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