The competition to find the Manx Bard is now open. Sponsored by the Isle of Man Arts Council and supported by Manx Litfest, this exciting new cultural initiative will see the Island’s most worthy poet appointed as Manx Bard via an annual competition.

In recognition of our proud poetic heritage, the first Manx Bard, T.E. Brown, was appointed posthumously. The first living Manx Bard will be selected through an application and audition process and unveiled at the Poetry Slam at Manx Litfest in late September. The role carries a stipend and expenses to cover attendance at cultural events both on and off-Island.

‘There is a lot of excitement building around the Manx Bard,’ said Bridget Carter, who heads up the Manx Bard Committee. ‘We have our magnificent Bardic chair and robes, now proudly on display in the Legislative Buildings. We know of several people who are keen to enter the competition, and we’re sure there are more out there. We are very much looking forward to receiving poets’ applications.’

The competition is open to anyone aged 18 or over who lives full-time in the Isle of Man.

The winner will be selected by a panel of judges, with entrants being judged on their written poetry, their performance and on the initiative they can bring to this high profile role – as outlined in a proposal as part of the application. All entries must be received on or before the closing date of 6 July 2015, and selected entrants will be invited for audition and interview in August.

Bridget added, ‘It’s important that the chosen Bard has some understanding of Manx heritage and the Celtic tradition of the Bard. Poetic skill, creativity and an ability to engage and inspire the community in poetry will all be crucial elements of The Bard’s remit.’

For an entry form and competition rules, please see www.facebook.com/ManxBard or request a copy by emailing bridgetcarterpoetry@mcb.net.  Entry forms can also be found in central locations such as the Legislative Buildings and the Henry Bloom Noble library.

Photo - The Manx Bard Committee, left to right: Janet Lees, Bridget Carter, Hazel Teare.