The Bardic Competition


One central part of the Bardic Picnic event is the competition to find someone to represent Northampton as its "Bard Elect." The competition itself will be held on the main stage throughout the day across a series of three heats. It will be judged by a panel of judges made up of local dignitaries and spoken word performers.

Each of the three heats will have a specific criteria that the entrants will be expected to fulfill. The heats will take the following forms

  1. An original piece of prose, poetry or song no longer than ten minutes in length on the theme: ‘Global Heart, Local Roots’
  2. A statement of "Bardic Intent". This should detail why the entrant should be Northampton’s Bard and, if he or she wins the competition, what the entrant intends to do over the following year to promote interest in the spoken word in the local and wider community
  3. An original piece of prose, poetry or song of the entrant’s choice no longer than ten minutes in length intended to showcase his or her ability, heart and technique as a spoken word artist


The winner will be decided toward the end of the day and announced on the main stage immediately before the last band's performance. The winner will receive the title, robes and honour of the "Bard of Northampton" which the winner will be expected to relinquish in a year’s time. In addition, the winner will receive a prize related to the title of Bard.


 

Rules to Entry and Participation:

  1. Entrants should register by 20 July, 2010. Entering the competition after this time will be decided on a case by case basis
  2. Entrants should live no more than one day’s walk (first light till dusk) from Delepré Abbey Northampton. This is the traditional criterion according to Bardic tradition. Generally speaking, if you live in Northamptonshire, you are eligible
  3. You ideally should have been living in Northamptonshire for at least a year. You also intend to live here for the following year, as it is not desirable to lose the county's bard halfway through his or her tenure
  4. Entrants should be 18 years or older
  5. Entrants should be sincere and dedicated to the promotion and celebration of the spoken word in all its forms





The Bard will be expected to promote the spoken word in and around Northampton in any way they see fit. The Bardic Chair Northampton will support and facilitate the winner in any way possible.

The Bardic Chair Northampton will endeavour to secure performances for the winning entrant and gain publicity for the said performer when and where possible.

The onus is on the Bard to take full advantage of his or her office as "Bard of Northampton", in whatever capacity he or she is capable and willing. It is understood that the winning entrant will bring their own unique style and expression to the role and it is our desire as an organisation that the Bard be free to do just that.

Although it is not expected, it would be appreciated that the winner performs under the title of "Bard of Northampton" where possible.




Please register here if you would like to enter the Northamptonshire Bardic Competition, or if you would just like more information regarding your participation.