Ever come across the word ‘Bard’? It’s something l associate with Wales and the National Eisteddfod – the largest music and poetry festival in Europe – which can be traced back to a bardic competition held by the Lord Rhys in Cardigan Castle back in 1176.
In Celtic cultures – which embraces Scotland and Ireland too – a bard is a professional storyteller, verse maker, music composer and oral historian employed by a monarch or chieftain to basically sing or speak his praises.
But did you know during the 1990’s Bardic Chairs were re-established across the West Country, to preserve and highlight the importance of the Bardic tradition in these islands?
Reflecting the Welsh National Eisteddfod, the Bardic Chairs seek to celebrate the spoken word in the English language – and we’ve got one here in Bath!!
The city may have worked its way through 797 Mayors – but it’s also honouring its 24th consecutive Bard since that particular title was revived.
He is singer and songwriter Connor Walker who won the title in a contest held at The Grapes Pub in Westgate Street.
I’ve been to talk to him.
Here’s a short clip of Connor performing part of that winning song.
For anyone interested in putting themselves forward to be the next Bard of Bath, they should email bardofbath@outlook.com. The competition will be held on Sunday, November 17th at around 2pm. Venue to be confirmed.
Contributors should have a 3 to 5-minute performance piece and a (max 200 word) manifesto on how they will raise the profile of the Bard of Bath over their year in charge.
If you want to sponsor Connor in the Circuit of Bath Walk for Julian House go through to julianhouse.enthuse.com/pf/connor-walker/post/6805112
Hello Richard. I enjoyed your interview with the Bard. Perhaps a display in the Library might raise the profile of Bath’s own Bardic tradition?
Thanks for the Newseum – I appreciate it’s eclectic mix!