AN annual parade celebrating William Shakespeare's birthday will take place through Oxford today.
The Shakespeare birthday parade will begin at St George's Tower at Oxford Castle Castle at 11am before making its way through the city, ending in a toast by members of the Oxford Preservation Trust at the Painted Room in Cornmarket Street. The Bard stayed in the room on his trips to London from Stratford-upon-Avon.
The 16th century playwright's birthday actually falls on Sunday – as does St George's Day.
Those joining the parade include dignitaries from town and gown and pupils from Oxford Spires Academy.
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Trust director Debbie Dance, said: "With Shakespeare's birthday parade starting at the castle this year, we are hoping that lots of people from across the community will come and join us."
Festivities are also set to continue over the weekend with events such as a tour of the Painted Room.
The Oxford Preservation Trust is an organisation that seeks to preserve the city for future generations. It also organises the Oxford Open Doors festival and presents awards for the best new design projects.
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