Visitors Receive Warm Regional Welcome Into Shakespeare's Airport
8th March 2016
A warm Shakespeare welcome will be given to passengers arriving at Birmingham Airport, following the unveiling of a new installation to greet the millions of visitors arriving into the region through ‘Shakespeare’s Airport’ each year.
In partnership with destination management organisation, Shakespeare’s England, the new artwork is located in the arrivals pier of the terminal building.
It gives visitors a taste of what the region can offer, showcasing the range of wonderful tourist attractions including the Royal Shakespeare Company, Kenilworth Castle, Warwick Castle, Leamington Spa, Bicester Village and Shakespeare's Family Houses – which have all supported the campaign.
Back row (from left to right): Helen Peters (CEO of Shakespeare’s England), Geoff Spooner (Chairman of Shakespeare’s England) and Paul Kehoe (CEO of Birmingham Airport).
Front row (from left to right): Emmeline Foster, Mollie Taylor and David Jackson all actresses and actors from Shakespeare Aloud!
This is just one of a number of exhibitions and events which the Shakespeare's England region is coordinating in the region to celebrate 400 years of William Shakespeare’s legacy. 2016 commemorates 400 years since the death of the world famous playwright and this special anniversary year is a unique opportunity to visit his home of Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding area.
The welcome will be in place throughout 2016 and has been made possible thanks to support from the Royal Shakespeare Company, Kenilworth Castle, Warwick Castle, Warwick District Council, Bicester Village and Shakespeare's Family Houses.
Geoff Spooner, Chairman of Shakespeare’s England and General Manager of Warwick Castle, said, “With over 10m passengers passing through Birmingham Airport every year, this is a fantastic opportunity for Shakespeare’s England to showcase some of the world class visitor attractions that its members provide and which are enjoyed by millions of visitors every year.
“This presence will generate increased awareness of Shakespeare’s England and with it, help to promote the equally impressive range of restaurants, theatre, overnight accommodation and many other attractions in this outstanding region.”
Birmingham Airport markets itself as Shakespeare’s Airport overseas, particularly in China and the US where so many people study and love The Bard’s work.
Jo Lloyd, Commercial Director for Birmingham Airport and Deputy Chair of Shakespeare’s England, said, “Birmingham Airport is proud to be Shakespeare’s Airport, which is proving to be very successful with overseas markets. This welcome not only cements our branding but also allows our passengers to feel involved in The Bard’s anniversary celebrations from the minute they arrive.”
Guests from the region’s business and tourism community were invited to a special event at the airport today (8th March) to witness the unveiling, and were treated to a special live performance from Shakespeare’s Aloud! actors from the Shakespeare's Family Houses.
