Barceló Billesley Manor Hotel

With the 400th anniversary of King James' Authorised Version of the Bible and the 50th anniversary of the Royal Shakespeare Company coinciding, David Edgar's new commission, Written on the Heart, receives its première in the Swan Theatre. Greg Doran directs.

Edgar returns to the RSC after famously adapting Dickens' Nicholas Nickleby and his original dramas Destiny, The Jail Diary of Albie Sachs, Maydays, Pentecost and The Prisoner's Dilemma. With a company led by Bruce Alexander, Stephen Boxer and Oliver Ford-Davies, Edgar tells the story of the reformation through the lives and deaths of the earliest translators of the Bible into the vernacular.

He particularly focuses on the dilemma of Lancelot Andrewes (Ford-Davies), King James’s leading translator, faced with a personal crisis of betrayal and compromise.

Written on the Heart (RSC) Website

Whether a seasoned racegoer, or a newcomer to the sport, a day at Stratford Races provides fun for all the family. As the first race of the season, the course's Irish Day is a welcome return to form for racegoers throughout the region.

Asparagus is so well-loved by the residents of the Vale of Evesham that they dedicate a festival to it. Events at the British Asparagus Festival include a party, tastings, auctions and educational events for vegetable-lovers.

Evesham Town Council Website

Tradition holds that the 23 April is William Shakespeare's birthday, three days prior to the date recorded in the church records for his baptism. Every year in Stratford-upon-Avon, thousands of people celebrate the occasion with a whole host of events.

The Bard's birthday celebrations begin with a parade to the Holy Trinity Church where representatives from all over the world lay flowers at Shakespeare's grave.

After the parade, everyone retires for a slap-up lunch at which toasts are made to The Theatre and the immortal memory of William Shakespeare. In the evening, the day is brought to an end with a performance of one of his plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Typically events are held on 23 April, but as that date coincides with Easter this year celebrations have been pushed forward by a week.

Shakespeare's Birthplace Trust Website

Stratford-upon-Avon's Literary Festival is a vibrant celebration of the written word. With a multitude of literary events, from lectures and poetry readings - to quizzes and creative writing workshops, this is a festival that punches above its weight.

Despite its inauguration in 2009, the Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival has seen a wide variety of speakers take to the stage with novelists, poets, screenwriters, journalists and publishers all offering their thoughts on the word of books.

Previous highlights have included a speech by the BBC Radio 4 broadcaster and novelist Melvyn Bragg. Events are held at the Stratford-upon-Avon Civic Hall and at other venues around town.

Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival Website

Anyone wishing for a special experience of Shakespeare's plays and the environment that inspired him can take a short break in his home town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Each year, the two Living Shakespeare courses include visits to Royal Shakespeare Company productions.

The Living Shakespeare programme focuses on the Bard through a range of lectures and discussions, together with an opportunity to talk to actors and other theatre professionals involved in recent shows. Each break includes evening meals and visits to Stratford-upon-Avon's theatres, although visitors are required to make their own arrangements for accommodation.

Please contact The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust for full details of future Living Shakespeare courses.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Website

Every year, the Stratford-upon-Avon Rotary Club organises the Shakespeare Marathon and Half Marathon. Despite its name, visitors to the quaint Warwickshire town find it offers a nice change of pace for those suffering from Shakespeare fatigue.

The race sets out from Church Street in Stratford-upon-Avon and winds its way through the Warwickshire countryside. After reaching Long Marston it passes through Weston-on-Avon before crossing the river and heading back towards the starting point in town.

Serious runners are able to set a personal best with oragnisers using state of the art ChampionChip timing technology.

Shakespeare Marathon Website

Stratford-upon-Avon hosts four days of classical music at the Spring Sounds International Music Festival. Featuring the compositions of Mozart, Schumann, Mendelssohn and more, the festival brings cherished classics and new commissions to the Warwickshire town.

The Orchestra of the Swan presents and plays at the festival, with concerts not only at the Civic Hall, but also around the town, including Compton Verney Art Gallery.

Spring Sounds International Music Festival Website

The Friends Life T20 begins with a group format in June, before quarter finals in July and Finals Day at Southampton's Rose Bowl in August. Worcestershire Royals play their home games at the County Ground in Worcester.

Friends Life T20 Website

Since its first appearance in 1874, Stratford-upon-Avon has held a summer regatta for over 120 years. This annual sporting event sees rowers take to the river while spectators enjoy picnics, barbeques and a fun day out.

Held on the River Avon in Stratford, spectators can watch all the action from the grassy banks of the Recreation Ground.

But if sport alone isn't enough on this historic racing day, there are bars, tea tents and cake stalls, as well as a range of other activities to keep children and visitors entertained throughout the day.

Stratford Upon Avon Boat Club Website