John Clare, Northamptonshire Poet and fiddler, was a remarkable man.
The JOHN CLARE FESTIVAL 11-13 July 2008 celebrates his life and work in Helpston, near Peterborough, the village he loved so much http://www.johnclare.org.uk/jcsevents.htm

FRIDAY 11 JULY
6pm: Guided Walk around Helpston - meet at the Buttercross in the village centre
7.30pm: MUSIC - JOHN CLARE'S BIRTHDAY SONG & MUSIC SESSION - free -
with refreshments - in the barn behind the Exeter Arms, Helpston.
SATURDAY 12 JULY
from 10am, book & other stalls in the School
12-2: Lunch at Blue Bell, Exeter Arms or Village Hall. Morris & Folk Dance displays
2pm: TALK - POETS & FIDDLERS: MUSICAL TRADITIONS IN THE
POETRY OF CLARE, HARDY & BARNES - an illustrated talk by Dave
Townsend, concertina, fiddle player & singer - exploring their poetic
responses to the music of their own communities (marquee behind school)
3: Coach tour with commentary (ticket needed) from outside the School, visiting Glinton, Northborough/Maxey Mill
3: Guided Walk around Helpston - meet at the Buttercross in the village centre
5.30: Poetry readings in St Botolph's Church - bring a favourite Clare poem
7pm (to 9pm): CONCERT in the marquee behind the school- THE MELLSTOCK
BAND present music and songs of rural England on voice, oboe,
clarinet, concertina, fiddle & serpent. Tickets: £10, students & senior citizens £8 from Pete Shaw 01778 571563 0r 07946 758197
http://www.mellstockband.com/
9: Music in the Blue Bell by Ock 'n Dough - Northamptonshire Folk group    http://www.ockndough.co.uk/
The JOHN CLARE FESTIVAL 11-13 July 2008 celebrates his life and work in the village he loved so much http://www.johnclare.org.uk/jcsevents.htm