The Search for a New Bard continues ...
The Bardic Council of Ynyswitrin would like to announce the result of this year's search to find the new 'Bard of Ynyswitrin'. The new Bard was ceremonially chaired during the Open Gorsedd on St Dunstan's Day, May 19th 2009.
This year the chair was contested by several local poets, storytellers and musicians, with opening heats at Glastonbury Assembly Rooms, each contestant performing for up to 15 minutes on the given theme, chosen by the outgoing Bard.
Dearbhaile calling upon the Awen to open proceedings.
All that glisters is not gold
This year's Open Gorsedd was a great success, attracting many outstanding performers and entertainers as well as visiting Bards and Druids from other orders. Entries were based on the theme - "All that glisters is not gold".
The Contenders
Amanda made a powerful debut
Daru shocked and cajoled us with his poetic storytelling
David warmed our hearts with his piece Little Golden Children
Esteban sang a selection of exquisite songs
Tony defied the laws of grammarye with 9° = 2° Magus
Wes entertained us with his "Hunting the Growk"
The Entertainment
Bryan
Badly Housebound Girl
Nathan
Pete
Stevie P
Willow
Deliberations and Prizes
The panel deliberates ...
Theo announces the judges' decision
Rewarding the runners-up
Jo Waterworth wins the Tim Sebastion trophy
The Chairing
Tim explains the origins of Glastonbury's Silver Branch
After a long and difficult discussion, the judges chose to chair David Reakes as the new Bard of Ynyswitrin and install Tony Atkinson as his deputy.
Next year, all Bards resident in Glastonbury or its immediate surroundings will be given the chance to compete for the chair again; only one will be chosen as the next Chaired Bard of Ynyswitrin. Those not wishing to contest the Chair, but who would like to provide entertainment, should also contact the Gorsedd Committee.
Performers who wish to enter the contest for the Bardic Chair of Ynyswitrin next year can complete the entry form here or pick up a printed version from the Library of Avalon, Glastonbury High Street, Somerset. This year's Open Gorsedd is being organised by the Gorsedd Committee of the Bardic Council of Ynyswitrin - http://bardic.org.
Photos: Barnaby J Hodges
