He might be turning 446, but William Shakespeare is a man who knows how to have a good time in London. The Globe will be holding a series of events to honour the famous playwright, and all of London is invited to come along and join in the festivities as Shakespeares birthday at the Globe kicks off with a day of free celebrations.

Happy 446th birthday
Although the Globe has been celebrating Shakespeare’s birthday for many seasons, each year has something different to offer. For the 2010 event there will be plenty of music, workshops and activities to help all ages celebrate.

Take a tour
Explore Shakespeare’s London on the Mark Rylance Sonnet Walks tours organised by Phoebus Cart before the open day on Saturday 17th April. Starting from either Westminster Abbey or the site of Shakespeare’s theatre in Shoreditch, the two guided walks give you the chance to learn all about Tudor London. All the while you’ll be serenaded with sonnets from the Shakespeare sonneteers. Tickets are available for £16.00 and £13.00 for concessions.
To book tickets phone 020 7401 9919 for more information.

Birthday celebrations
On Sunday 18th April, all of the Globe will be alive with totally free festivities at an open day from noon to 4pm. Join in the fun at the events for Shakespeares birthday at the Globe and enjoy sonneteers popping up all over the place to serenade you with some beautiful verse at the world famous Globe Theatre. Kids can take part in the poetry workshops, interactive games and activities too.

Shakespeare's plays
If you want to celebrate Shakespeares birthday by going back to the source material that made the bard so famous to begin with, then check out the Globe's new theatre season, whcih begins on St Georges Day, Friday 23rd April. Plays include Macbeth, Henry VIII and Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, as well a plays by contemporary playwrights such as Nell Leyshon and Howard Breton. If you would like to book tickets for this season's productions, click on the link below. St George and Shakespeare
Although William Shakespeare's birthday is not known for definite, it is traditionally celebrated on 23rd April. Coinciding with St Georges Day, the patron Saint of England, there are plenty of activities celebrating English culture on or around Shakespeares birthday in London, so you can make a historic weekend of it. The events for Shakespeares birthday at the Globe take place from 12pm - 4pm, Sunday 18th April 2010.