Children and teachers at over twenty two primary and secondary schools, Swindon College and Junction 16 amateur drama group are busily preparing to celebrate the man of the millennium by performing every one of William Shakespeare's plays during the first two weeks of April.

Over 1,200 performers will be involved in a variety of productions. Some will be traditional presentations, others will be adaptations using dance and rap to involve youngsters said festival coordinator Tim Noble at Greendown School.

"During the Autumn top Shakespearean professionals Sarah Gordon and Chris Geelan of the Young Shakespeare Company have been running workshops at primary schools.

"The festival commissioned them to write special guides for teachers on how to involve and enthuse children about the bard. It's remarkable how young children are absorbing the difficult language and ideas in Shakespeare's works. There is some fantastic learning going on, including special needs children at Crowdy's Hill who will be performing Julius Caesar."

Some schools are studying Shakespeare as part of the curriculum, others are running after school clubs.

The festival is funded by small grants from the National Lottery, Swindon Council and the Education Extra Foundation. It is one of eight flagship projects in Britain selected by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, and the largest youth initiative in the UK.

Visit the festival web site. click here