The Shakespearian Festival at Stratford

The Shakespearian Festival at Stratford, If the Shakespearian Festival at Stratford is modern, it is none the less pretty, and bids fair to grow in interest as the years roll on. Held on the poetís birthday, it consists of a pilgrimage to his tomb. All the visitors in the town meet at the Town Hall, where they are received by the Mayor and the Shakespearian Committee. Subsequently the whole of them, with the Mayor and other local officials, go in procession to Trinity Church, and there lay wreaths on Shakespeareís grave within the communion rails. For the occasion large quantities of rare and beautiful flowers are annually received from all parts of the world ñ the tributes of Shakespearians in many lands. The 1905 Festival was marked by an interesting innovation. At previous celebrations speaking had not been allowed, but Professor Friedler, of Birmingham University, in presenting the wreath on behalf of his countrymen ñ the Germans ñ pronounced a most graceful eulogy on the poet as he laid that token on the grave, Stratford. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)