JOHNSON AT 300

Published: 24 September 2009

The weekend of 18-20 September saw the 300th Birthday of Samuel Johnson celebrated in some style in Lichfield when local residents and visitors were entertained in spectacular fashion, and joined in the celebrations to mark the Tercentenary of England's greatest man of letters.

The celebrations started On Friday evening, the 18th September - Johnsons Birthday, where a huge audience crowded the Market Square to enjoy the Johnson at 300 Son et Lumi?re; a two hour sound and light show projected onto the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum. This was preceded by a Lantern Parade from Speakers' Corner, with lanterns made earlier that day at a workshop in the Guildhall.

Christopher Moulton, Deputy Town Clerk at the City Council said "We were delighted that the whole weekend was such a success, and that so many people turned out to help celebrate this milestone Birthday for the great Doctor. I would like to thank all those who worked so hard behind the scenes to make the celebrations a memorable event in the history of the City"

The celebrations continued on Saturday with the traditional wreath-laying ceremony and cutting of the Johnson Birthday cake, together with performances by Intimate Theatre and other music and craft events on the Market Square. These included the opportunity to dress up in our Georgian costumes and the chance to be photographed in front of the 'Johnson House' Bower float. On Sunday there was further free entertainment and free entry to the City's Museums. Large audiences were present throughout the weekend at all of the events.

See more pictures in the photo gallery