Living statues ready to do battle in Warks

THE UK’s first National Living Statue Championship is set to take place later this month - and you won’t even have to travel far to go.

Held between April 20-22, the Championships will be the latest addition to the annual Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebration, which takes place in Stratford-UponAvon. As part of the three-day extravaganza, Living Statues from across Europe will travel to Shakespeare’s birthplace to compete, with a cash prize up for grabs.

It has been confirmed that artists from locations such as Spain, Ukraine and Germany will attend, as well as the current world champion child statue - all the way from the Netherlands.

The competition runs on Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22 in Bancroft Gardens and has two categories - professional (first prize £5000) and junior (first prize £50).

Professionals will need to complete at least five 45-minute performances over the weekend, with juniors carrying out four 30-minute performances.

Talent from across the globeDermot McGillicuddy, Director of LSD Promotions, who have partnered with Shakespeare’s Celebrations to host the Championships, said: “The response to the event has been fantastic.

“We have artists attending from Spain, Greece, Holland, Poland, the Ukraine, Cleveland, Ireland and from across the UK.

“We also have both the current child world champion and the current Dutch child champion so it certainly promises to be a great event.

“We can’t wait to showcase the wide range of top talent on offer.”

The winner will be announced from the bandstand on the recreation ground at 4.15pm on Sunday, April 22.

There will be a panel of judges who will visit each artist across Saturday and Sunday and mark them between one and five on various aspects including their character, costume and make-up.

Cllr Victoria Alcock, Mayor of Stratford-uponAvon said: “Every year Stratford-upon-Avon buzzes with excitement as the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations take place and this year having the new Championship ensures there is non-stop entertainment available.

“Our biggest annual event is set to become even bigger.”