Let your genius Fly!!!
The Bardic Council of Ynyswitrin would like to announce the launch of this year's search to find the new 'Bard of Ynyswitrin'. The new Bard will be ceremonially chaired during the Open Gorsedd on St Dunstan's Day, May 19th 2010. The Chair is contested by open competition annually, each contestant performing for up to 15 minutes on a given theme, chosen by the outgoing Bard.
This year's theme is 'Flight'
Trials will start at 8.00pm in the Glastonbury Assembly Rooms on Thursday 13th May, the Finals and Chairing being on Wednesday 19th May (St Dunstan's Day) again starting at 8.00pm. The Bardic Order will meet in the Fairfield, below the Tor on Sunday 16th May at 2.30pm and those who have entered the Contest for the Chair will be invited to join. All are welcome to attend the Gorseth Ceremony. Entry by Magic Hat (donation).
This year sees the institution of a miniBards contest, which is being organised in conjunction with St Dunstan's community school. The deadline for entries is April 23rd (Shake-spear day). The winning Mini-Bards will be invited to perform at the Finals. Entry for miniBards is limited to those studying at St Dunstan's.
Last year's Open Gorsedd was a great success, attracting many outstanding performers and entertainers as well as visiting Bards and Druids from other orders. The Chair was contested by several local poets, storytellers and musicians, with opening heats at Glastonbury Assembly Rooms. After a long and difficult discussion, David Reakes was chosen to be the current Bard.
This year, all Bards resident in Glastonbury or its immediate surroundings are being given the chance to compete for the chair; 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 this year can complete the entry form here or pick up a printed version from the Library of Avalon, Glastonbury High Street, Somerset. The Open Gorsedd is organised by the Gorsedd Committee of the Bardic Council of Ynyswitrin - http://bardic.org.
