Shakespeare Sonnet Walk in Saffron Walden a big success

The self-guided walk was organised by Saffron Walden Town Council and started at the Swan Meadow Maze on Saturday, April 20.

Participants were given a map with route instructions and a red rose. Along the way, they encountered actors, poets and minstrels - some in costume and some not - who either recited a Shakespeare sonnet or performed a song.

Cllr Alex Reeve with Deputy Mayor Deryk Eke and Jan Eke in Swan Meadow Maze at the start of the walk (Image: Marigold Twenty Photography)

The magical mystery walk began with Sylvia, a feisty lady, who invites Eglamore to accompany her in pursuit of love.

She plays to his vanity, to his empathy and to his sense of duty to protect her and, in like manner, invites participants to also pursue love.

Actors in historical costume appeared throughout the walk (Image: Marigold Twenty Photography)

After Sylvia has invited the walker on the journey, then comes the turn of the first minstrel who, through his music, transports participants back to a different era, where a sonnet was the medium of choice for a young and fashionable courtier.

Cllr Alex Reeve said: "Our sonnet troupe comprised; students, with one from Ukraine; semi-professional actors and singers; plus Tudor re-enactment specialists and minstrels; some resident in Saffron Walden, some from further afield.

Walkers were greeted by historical re-enactors (Image: Marigold Twenty Photography)

"In all, the troupe of 10 performed as pied April dressed in all his prim, hath put the spirit of youth on everything."

Saffron Walden Town Council said they were "delighted" with the positive feedback for the walk.

If you attended the walk, you can still comment at https://forms.gle/uYn4XjsiZvfNfKy18, by emailing events@saffronwalden.gov.uk or in person at the tourist information centre.

Actors recited sonnets along the route (Image: Marigold Twenty Photography)

Comments so far included: "Very well organised and unusual event - Very apt setting and all sonnets very well delivered - The first actor near the duck pond started things off excellently - It was nice to see all different ages participating as well - The route was the right length - The cost was spot on - The roses were a lovely touch."

A Saffron Walden Town Council spokesperson added: "Many thanks to McCarthy Stone for their continued support – and UCAN (Uttlesford Community Action Network) volunteers for stewarding the event."

Each participant was given a rose at the start of the walk (Image: Marigold Twenty Photography)

Sonnets and songs were performed throughout the route (Image: Marigold Twenty Photography)

The event was sponsored by McCarthy Stone (Image: Marigold Twenty Photography)