The Search for a New Bard is on!
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. The contest will be opened and this year's theme announced at the Bardic Council Gathering in March. The preliminary rounds will be held in May. All events take place at the Assembly Rooms, Glastonbury and start at 8PM. Entry by Magic Hat (donation).
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. This year's event is expected to attract even more contenders and participants.
There is historical evidence of ancient Bardic Chairs (Gorseddau) in many locations throughout Britain. The Chairs are usually associated with high places, mounds, forts and sacred hills, throughout Britain. The current movement to reinstate the Bardic Chairs of Albion began in the '90's, largely promoted by the late Tim Sebastian who set up the Bardic Chair of Bath (Caer Badon) some ten years ago, and assisted with establishing the Gorseddau of Avebury (Caer Abiri), Exeter (Caer Isca) and Glastonbury (Ynyswitrin).
The movement continues apace, with the recent publication of Kevan Manwaring's "Bardic Handbook" (Gothic Image publications, 2006) and the continued establishment of new Gorseths throughout Britain. Here in Glastonbury, Chaired Bard Tim Hall claimed the first Chair of Ynyswitrin on St Hervé's Day 2005, and was seated on a heavy golden chair at the the instigation of the Glastonbury Order of Druids. The Chair was made out of recycled lorry parts by local artist Richie Bond. Tim was then charged with organising the next year's competition. The Bardic Council was set up as an independent body to facilitate future Bardic Gatherings.
Last year the chair was contested by several local poets, storytellers and musicians, with opening heats at Glastonbury Assembly Rooms. Entries were based on the theme. After a long and difficult discussion, the judges chose to chair a new 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. This year's Open Gorsedd is being organised by the Gorsedd Committee of the Bardic Council of Ynyswitrin - http://bardic.org.
