Clara prepares for busy festival schedule this weekend

Clara is gearing up for a busy weekend of cultural activity as the Bog Trotters Sustainable Festival and Litha Summer Solstice Celebration brings a packed programme of music, heritage events and family entertainment.

Celebrations will take place on Saturday, June 20, from 1pm to 9pm, for a celebration of Ireland’s peatland heritage, traditional skills and midsummer traditions.

Organisers say the event will transform Clara into a hub of activity, with workshops, field trips, discussions and live demonstrations running alongside a full day of entertainment.

Attractions will include traditional crafts such as blacksmithing and woodturning, survival skills demonstrations, a children’s carnival, and a Bog Café featuring live music.

A highlight of the weekend will be the midsummer solstice lighting ceremony, marking the ancient festival of Litha with a symbolic community celebration.

Music will also feature heavily across the programme, with performances from acts including Derek Warfield and The Young Wolfe Tones, Mad for Ceol, Dubh Lee and Wayne Brereton, alongside additional guest performers.

A special string quartet concert is scheduled for Friday evening, June 19, with advance booking required.

Festival organisers have highlighted Clara’s accessibility, noting that Clara House is located just a short walk from the train station, with event times aligned where possible with rail services.

Parking will also be available throughout the town, including designated disability spaces.

For more information, go to: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/bog-trotters-sustainability-festival-litha-summer-solstice-celebration-tickets-1990321487146