Magna Carta in Clare Festival

The organisers of the Magna Carta in Clare Festival received a major boost this week when they received a £5,000 grant to help provide a series of community events in June 2015.  The grant has been provided by the Magna Carta 800^th Anniversary Commemorative Committee which provides funding for activities and to raise the profile of the anniversary.

The 800th anniversary of Magna Carta is of national and international importance and is particularly relevant to Clare because of the vital role played by the two Clare barons, Richard and Gilbert de Clare.   A series of events was organised to provide adult educational, school and community opportunities to enjoy history, culture, entertainment and food of the period as well as to learn more about this important phase in Clare’s history.

During the run up to June 2015 there Heritage Walk from Castle Hedingham to Clare was created, and Clare Library showed a programme of films during Festival Week.  The Friends of Clare Library also commissioned and completed a Magna Carta Jigsaw.

During Festival Week (6 – 13 June) events included a musical concert of 800 years of sacred music, a Study Day, a Taste of 1215 with mummers and madrigals, and a medieval banquet.  The culmination of the Festival was on Saturday 13 June when a procession around the centre of Clare was followed by medieval enactments, games and entertainment in Clare Castle Country Park.

Clare Festival committee member Keith Haisman said ”We are delighted to receive this grant which will add to the local community support and engagement we have already received.  Our programme of events really has something for everyone and we look forward to many families coming to Clare and taking part.”

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David Davis

Member of Parliament

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