Stratford-upon-Avon is making historic preparations for a bumper influx of business by launching its first ever website dedicated to the whole community.
The digital platform - www.stratforduponavon.org.uk - will act as a digital directory for both residents and visitors covering major and community events, through to recommendations of places to eat, drink and stay, as well as a directory of local businesses.
The £24,000 website investment was part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and developed by a steering group representing the town, including Stratford-upon-Avon BID, Stratford Town Council, Stratford Literary Festival, Discover Gather Give, Shakespeare's England and Stratford-on-Avon District Council.
It comes as the town is bracing itself for rising interest in the locations that inspired the Oscar-nominated film Hamnet, with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust already reporting an early year-on-year rise in visitors in January compared to the same period last year.
The town is also gearing up for a busy events calendar, including Shakespeare's Birthday Celebrations, Stratford Motor Festival, and Stratford Literary Festival to name a few.
Aaron Corsi, BID Manager at Stratford-upon-Avon BID, said: "Local businesses and residents told us they wanted a clearer, more joined-up way to see what's going on in the town all year round, so we're making it easier for people to move beyond a single visit and spend more time in the town.
"That means more footfall, more connections and more opportunities for local businesses to thrive, while helping visitors experience Stratford-upon-Avon in a deeper, more rewarding way.
"This is more than a website, it is a digital hub that has been created by the Stratford community for the Stratford community and those wanting to visit the town - and so we are encouraging people to upload their own events and offerings so it can continue to evolve."
Darren Tosh, from Warwickshire's tourism board Shakespeare's England, added: "Stratford-upon-Avon continues to attract an increasing number of visitors from across the UK and beyond, but we know the best places are those that work well for the people who live there too.
"This website reflects that thinking - it's practical, welcoming and rooted in local insight for locals - and complements our own efforts in attracting domestic and international visitors to Stratford and the wider region.
"Our latest research on day visitors to the town from 2024 showed that Stratford out-performed the national average - and while it remains to be seen if this continued in 2025 - for the year ahead we are anticipating that the Hamnet effect will leave the town perfectly poised for another strong year."
Annie Ashworth, Festival Director of Stratford Literary Festival which attracts thousands of people a year to the town, is backing the new investment in the town website.
She added: "Stratford has so many great events and businesses, and it's long overdue to have a hub website for the town where everyone - residents and national and international visitors - can find out what's on.
"It's great news and can only help footfall for businesses. It's been a pleasure to have been a part of its creation."
George Cowcher, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development at Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: "This new website is an important step in improving how residents, businesses and visitors access information about Stratford?upon?Avon.
"By bringing together events, services and opportunities in one clear, user?friendly place, it supports both the local community and the wider visitor economy. We are pleased to have worked in partnership with organisations across the town to help deliver a resource that will continue to grow and benefit everyone who spends time in Stratford-upon-Avon."
Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council, Town Clerk Caroline Nash, added: "Stratford-upon-Avon is a town we are rightly proud of, and this website provides a simple, welcoming way for residents and visitors to see what it has to offer. By bringing together events and practical information in one place, it supports local businesses, strengthens community life and helps showcase Stratford as a place to live, visit and enjoy."
Deborah Green Account Director at Launch creative agency said: "We are incredibly proud to have partnered on this project for Stratford-upon-Avon - creating a brand and digital hub that celebrates both the town's rich heritage and vibrant culture. We are thrilled to see the website go live and can't wait to watch it become an essential resource for visitors, residents, and businesses alike."
Judith Lathe-Cook , Curator of the Contemporary Arts Festival Discover:Gather:Give said: "This project is close to my heart because small, local events deserve a proper spotlight. As Stratford's unifying website, it brings communities together in one place to share everything from artist-led workshops and exhibitions to clubs, music and sport. As an arts curator, I love that it gives both residents and visitors a trusted hub where they can discover and plan what's on well in advance."
The Stratford town website project forms part the Warwickshire UKSPF programme. It is delivered by Stratford-upon-Avon BID on behalf of Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Warwickshire County Council.
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