The History of the Festival

In 1989, discussions on a future Festival to capitalise on the name of Stratford and its links with William Shakespeare were begun with Neale Warrington from the Australian Shakespeare Company and the former Shire of Avon. A committee was formed under the chairmanship of Shire President Denise Stothers, Secretary George Brayshaw and other local identities.

The first event was in 1991 with a presentation of a "Midsummer Nights Dream" by a local group and "Twelfth Night" by the Australian Shakespeare Company under the direction of Neale Warrington. The Australian Shakespeare Company returned in 1992 and 1994 bringing King Lear and Hamlet to "Stratford". At this time the "Festival" was this one performance over 3 nights and 2 days.

In late 1995 the committee reformed as the Stratford on Avon Shakespeare Association with the aim to include a more community based approach to the Festival. Under the new chairman, former Shire President Janice Jones, and secretary Sheila Malady, the festival included a community presentation directed by Clifton Kline and developed the concept of a Village Fair. The Festival has run continuously since 1996 being anchored on the first weekend in May and including a number of different workshops, performances and events from a variety of companies.

The Festival has grown to include over 20 different events being performed over 25 times in a ten day period. It has included the best artists from around the region including the Australian Shakespeare Company, the Melbourne Theatre Company and other Melbourne and Sydney based professional companies. 

The Festival has diversified to include a variety of events not connected with Shakespeare 

The Festival receives major funding from Vic Health and the Shire of Wellington.  Other sponsors include Tourism Victoria, Gippsland Regional Arts - Sale and Arts Victoria.