Did you know Exeter is one of the few cities with the ancient right to appoint a Bard?
The Bard of Exeter represents the land & people of Exeter and surrounding areas for a year & a day, with a bunch of perks plus some fancy blue robes chucked in! This year, supported by Exeter Library, Exeter UNESCO City of Literature, Taking the Mic and Spork! Poetry.
The Bardic role is a chance for you to make your mark on the city. Previous Bards have gone on to win national slams, become the Poet Laureate for Exeter City FC, and present poetry internationally at COP26 (to name just a few achievements!)
Any poet, singer, storyteller, rapper, or wordsmith aged 16+ and from Devon can compete, with the winner chosen by public vote on Wed 28th May at the Bardic Competition.
📢 Who will be the next Bard of Exeter?! ✍️🎤
Eight extraordinary voices are stepping up to the mic to become the next Bard of Exeter — and you get to help choose who takes home the robes!
Join us for a magical evening of words, wit, and wonder on Wednesday 28 May at Exeter Library, where you’ll meet this year’s dazzling lineup of performers:
Micha Colombo – An Exeter-based writer and actor whose work spans theatre, film, storytelling and poetry.
Kev Payne – A former primary school teacher turned children's author and illustrator, once the proud Town Crier of Crediton (now shouting purely for fun!).
Pix Maz – Ex-backing dancer for Iron Maiden, one-time fortune teller to Russell Grant?? and now a kind-hearted pixie companion to those who need a little extra magic.
Jak Kearns – "Single poet seeking couplets. A bit of a bard already, only with a few more letters in the middle.”
Holly Ebony – Folk singer-songwriter, vocal coach, and Dart Valley woodswoman weaving melody and meaning through everything she does.
Jim Causley – Six-time BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominee and once dubbed “the finest singer of his generation” by Mojo Magazine.
Susan Taylor – An ex-shepherd turned poetic wild woman, bringing earthy wisdom and fierce joy to the stage. Ted Hughes once said of her “full of watchful pleasure.”
Gideon Lawrence (aka The Old Wyvern) – A storyteller, swordsman, and charming crafter of tales and wit who hosts workshops and adventures.
Wednesday 28 May at Exeter Library | 7:30pm - 9:30pm
This is a free event, though places are limited and booking is strongly recommended. There will be a pop-up bar serving alcoholic and soft drinks.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please email Ceri on ceribakerflow@gmail.com with:
Your location
Your age
A very short summary about why you’d like to be the Bard (no more than 50 words)
The Bard will then be chosen by public vote at the Bardic Comp
THE COMP
We will endeavour to put forward all applicants into the Bardic Competition which will take place at Exeter Library on Wed 28 May, from 7pm. However, spaces are limited to 8 Bardic Hopefuls, so in the event of more than 8 people applying, we will create a shortlist of candidates!
Please apply by 5pm on Monday 5th May. Those going forward into the comp will be announced on Fri 9th May. We will let all applicants know by Wed 7th May.
At the comp, you’ll present a Bardic “Manifesto” and combined live reading or performance that highlights your skills as a writer, orator and performer, as well as your objectives for the year, and what you might do with the role. You’ll have 8 minutes total to present.
PERKS:
The Bardic Robe & Bardic Seat
Support from current bard Ceri Baker including a handover meeting
A featured Project page on the Exeter UNESCO City of Literature website, and use of City of Literature branding
Free tickets to any upcoming Spork! Poetry event
10 hours of free in-kind space from Exeter Library to support things like meetings, writing space, rehearsals, or workshops
A paid feature set at an upcoming Taking the Mic event at Exeter Phoenix
