SOCIAL EVENTS

Throughout the conference we host a range of in-person and online social events designed to bring delegates and auditors together. From informal socials and networking opportunities, to online quizzes and group activities around Stratford-Upon-Avon. This year all activities are included in the price of your ticket. Only one activity (a boat ride down the River Avon) incurs an additional cost and requires you to book a ticket. All social events are entirely optional, and full details will be available on this page so you can plan your BritGrad experience in the way that suits you best.

HELLO!

Welcome to your BritGrad Events page. I am delighted that you’ll be attending this year's conference, whether online or in-person. Beyond three days of incredible plenaries, workshops, and panels, there will also be an incredible programme of events, in-person around Stratford-upon-Avon and also online.

For those of you coming to the Shakespeare Institute, I have pulled together a delicious catering menu and a fantastic set of events. Each day will feature ever-flowing teas & coffees, freshly prepared lunch, and evening events to keep the fun going. I’ve detailed all of this below, but I wanted to highlight our Saturday night boat party, which I’m especially excited about. We have arranged a sunset boat cruise down the Avon which will be a wonderful way to close the conference. Imagine drinks and dancing, all whilst passing the best views of Stratford in style. If you fancy joining us, make sure to book a ticket here as spaces are limited.

Our wonderful Lily Draper will be hosting many of you virtually and is similarly looking forward to getting to know you over lunch or during the evening’s activities.

We hope you enjoy browsing through everything on offer in the run-up to the conference. So, if you’re joining us at BritGrad 2026, here’s what you can expect…

Louisa Pickard

Events.BritGrad@outlook.com

EVENTS SCHEDULE

IN-PERSON SCHEDULE

Wednesday 17th June

19:00-21:00: Opening drinks at The Dirty Duck

Thursday 18th June

9:00-9:45: Welcome breakfast at The Shakespeare Institute

13:10-14:00: Lunch – authentic Italian pasta from Marco: Italian Delicatessen

19:00-21:00: Scavenger Hunt social around Stratford-upon-Avon, followed by drinks at The One Elm

Friday 19th June

12:00-12:50: Lunch – delicious gyros from SUV-LAKI: Greek Street Food

19:00-22:00: Film Screening Social: garden party, refreshments, and

film screening hosted at The Shakespeare Institute

Saturday 20th June

10:25-10:45: Brunch Buffet at The Shakespeare Institute

13:20-14:10: Lunch – freshly prepared buffet from Lemon Grove Catering

16:50-17:00: Closing toast with alcoholic and non-alcoholic fizz

19:00-20:00: Boat party with Canal River Tours, Waterside, CV37 6AT*

20:00-22:00: Drinks at The Red Lion

*the boat party is £10 and tickets must be pre-booked here

(Please note that all dietary requirements will be catered for as per information given via your registration. The Shakespeare Institute is also a tomato, nut, and pineapple free building so please refrain from bringing any of these food inside the building)

ONLINE SCHEDULE

Wednesday 17th June

19:00-21:00: The Digital Tavern (online welcome mixer)

Thursday 18th June

13:10-14:00: Lunch break

19:00-21:00: The Bard's Quest (online scavenger hunt)

Friday 19th June

12:00-12:50: Lunch break

19:00-22:00: Open Mic Night at The Digital Tavern

Saturday 20th June

13:20-14:10: Lunch break

16:50-17:00: Closing toast

19:00-21:00: The Bard's Big Quiz (virtual Shakespeare pub quiz)

THE BRITGRAD BOAT PARTY

This year, the only event which incurs an additional cost is the BritGrad Boat Party. We will be celebrating the closing of the 2026 conference with drinks, dancing, and sight-seeing along Stratford's iconic river. The 1-hour cruise down the Avon will pass some of Stratford's most iconic landmarks and points of interest, including the RST and Trinity Church.

Provided by Canal River Tours on their boat the Jennifer May. You can find more information about the company here. The boat is moored at Stratford Canal Basin directly opposite The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and we will meet by the waterside at 18:50.

The boat is fully licensed and can provide a bar and refreshments. The Barge and Quarterdeck is also moored next to them, on the other side of the ice cream barge. They serve delicious wood-fired pizza and a range of award winning drinks.

There are toilets on board and the boat is fully accessible. It is fully covered, has heating available (although hopefully we won't need it!) and during the hotter/sunnier days the side windows fully open.

You can purchase your £10 ticket below!