Friday 9th July
1.30pm at Helpston Parish Church. ‘The Midsummer Cushion Ceremony.’ The pupils of the John Clare Primary School, Helpston bring the cushions of flowers to place around the grave of John Clare. The pupils’ prize-winning poems are read and prizes awarded, followed by a song and prayers.
6pm - Guided walk around Helpston. Meet at the Butter Cross
7pm onwards - Langdyke Trust Official opening of the heritage site at Torpel Manor Field, part of Helpston’s history since the Norman Conquest. The Langdyke Countryside Trust will be hosting a range of walks and talks based on the history of the site from 7pm onwards.
7.30pm to 11pm Folk Music. John Clare’s Birthday Music & Song Session – an informal evening in the front room of the Exeter Arms, 3 Church Lane, Helpston, - free admission. There’s only limited space so arrive in good time - musicians and singers especially welcome - details 01778 571563 / 07946 758197 pete@peteshaw.co.uk
Saturday 10th July
From 9.30am - coffee and toast in Botolph’s Barn - next to the Exeter Arms.
10am Festival opens in the school hall - stalls include the John Clare Society sales, booksellers, local tourist offices and exhibitions. Buy your tickets for the Coach Tour and the evening performance of ‘John Clare and the Music of What Happens’.
10am (Marquee) St. Botolph’s Music Group will play before the meeting starts.
10.30 (Marquee) Welcome and Introduction to the Festival from the Chair of the Society
The Annual Meeting of the Society.
11.15 (approx.) President’s address by Ronald Blythe.
From 11am ‘An Artist’s Quarter’ in Botolph’s Barn
12noon - 1pm and 1.30pm - 2.30pm Poetry Workshops in the Scout and Guide Centre - for children aged 6 -12 years, led by Keely Mills and Luke Payn.
Lunches in the Village Hall; John Clare Cottage open 10am - 5pm ; Artists and Crafts at Botolph’s Barn; Morris Dancers and the Peterborough Folk Dance Society perform at the Bluebell Inn and the Exeter Arms.
Carry Ackroyd will be signing her new book at Annakinn’s Art Shop (on West Street, next to Helpston Village Stores)
1.45pm (Marquee) ‘The Poet’s Wife’ - Judith Allnatt, poet and writer, will talk about her recently published book, a re-imagining of the life of John Clare through the eyes of his wife, Patty. Judith will be ready to sign books and discuss the novel with any who wish to stay after her talk.
3pm Coach outing - to Great Casterton to visit the church where John and Patty were married and where we will have a programme of poems and songs
3pm Guided Walks around Helpston - meet at the Butter Cross
3.15pm - 4pm In the Church - read your favourite poem.
Teas in the Village Hall
5.30pm In the Church - another chance to read your favourite Clare poem!
7pm in the Marquee at John Clare Primary School
JOHN CLARE AND THE MUSIC OF WHAT HAPPENS
Poet Malcolm Guite and Jazz Poetry Collective ‘Riprap’ explore the contemporary resonances of
John Clare’s poetry Tickets £10 & £8 (concessions)
From 7.30pm onwards - in the Blue Bell ‘Frumenty’ perform a selection of traditional and contemporary folk music, including songs about Clare. Frumenty are a 3-piece band encompassing guitars, mandolin, mandola, banjo and percussion as well as vocals.
Sunday 11th July
11am Festival Service in St. Botolph’s Church celebrating Clare, led by The Revd. Ron Ingamells (Vice-chair John Clare Society).
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