John Clare, 13 July 1793 – 20 May 1864. His birthday is celebrated in Helpston, Cambridgeshire, by the John Clare Society.

2024; This year we are having a two-day Festival, starting on Friday July 12th with the traditional laying of the Midsummer Cushions on John Clare’s grave, from 1pm. To end the day there will be a Choral Evensong in St. Botolph’s Church at 5pm and then a lively evening at the John Clare Cottage with local folk musicians from 7:30pm. Please come along, everyone is welcome.

On Saturday July 13th, John Clare’s birthday, the John Clare Society’s AGM will take place in St. Botolph’s Church from 10am for about an hour. This will be followed at 11am by a fascinating talk by the Rector, Gary Alderson, on the Rev. Charles Mossop. There will be many things to do and see in the afternoon, and to end the day a concert by The Black Smock Band who are coming all the way from Brighton.