| Where: | Helpston, Northants at the St Botolph's Church |
| When: | Friday in early July |
| Time: | 10.30 am (sometimes 1.30 pm- see Helpful Hints) |
The poet John Clare is celebrated each year by a commemorative custom whereby flower garlands known as cushions are placed around the poet’s grave at Helpston church near Peterborough. Local schoolchildren place the cushions and read their own poetic compositions, followed by singing of Clare’s verses set to music, and prayers. The custom is part of an annual John Clare Festival celebrating the poets life and work; other events include music, poetry workshops and exhibitions. Clare was born on July 13th 1793 and the festival is timed to be close to his birthday.
Helpful Hints
In 2026 it should be on Friday July 10th at 10.30 am at the Church (this is earlier than in previous years when it’s usually Benn during the afternoon) with the festival continuing on Saturday 11th.
Click here for the event website : https://johnclaresociety.org
and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2589205554624156/
Just found John Clare’s poems wonderful! I have been a reader of William Wordsworth for most of my life, but to read John Clare has been a most wonderful experience.
Please can you e-mail details and dates of the July 2023 festival.
Hi Malcolm,
I’ll email you the details of the Cushion Ceremony and a copy of the Festival’s own page for the other days- the details for the full festival can be found at https://johnclaresociety.wordpress.com/news-and-events/ or if you want to ask anything you can get in touch direct at https://johnclaresociety.wordpress.com/contact-us/
Hope that helps!
Averil