The John Clare Festival 2026 from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th July has something for everyone… Whether you’re a Clare connoisseur, a nature-lover, or simply live in and around Helpston, we have talks, poetry, a concert, open gardens, artists’ exhibitions, tasty lunches, Morris Dancers, folk music and family activities. And this year we are celebrating the 45th anniversary of the John Clare Society! Dedicated to … Continue reading John Clare Festival timetable, 2026

Read more about past festivals below. You don’t have to be a member of the Society in order to attend – and we are a very friendly bunch! The Importance of Tradition (15 – 17 July 2022) After the disappointments of the previous years, we were finally able to return to Helpston for the John Clare Society Festival. Speakers included Robert Hamberger (reading from his … Continue reading Festival reports, 2013-2022