The 24-hour non-stop readings offered the chance to take part in plays such Macbeth, As You Like It and Twelfth Night.

Last year's debut as part of National Year of Reading proved so popular that organisers decided to hold it again,outside the Town Hall, to coincide with the Children's Festival.

Sheffield Theatres' new artistic director, Daniel Evans, started the Bard's ball rolling at noon by reading from the Tempest, and 30 children from Firth Park Community College, a performing arts school, stepped up with a modern take on Romeo and Juliet.

The following 24 hours were due to see students joined by celebrities, including local poet Matt Black, amateur actors and members of the public reading, reciting and performing works of Shakespeare.

Coun Andrew Sangar, cabinet member for children's services and lifelong learning, said: "Shakespeare wrote his plays to be enjoyed by all and I for one think this is a fantastic way of bringing his works direct to the people. And to be able to get involved too just makes it all the better, in my opinion.

"All too often Shakespeare is seen as something elitist or something that has to be studied at school. But last year's event was a phenomenal success and we hope we can repeat that this year."

Highlights include 'Macbeth at Midnight', and 'Breakfast As You Like It', with city centre workers joining in on their way to work.

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