The Isle of Man has welcomed its 12th Manx Bard, with poet and musician John Davies, who writes under the name ‘Declan’, taking on the role.

Port Erin-based Declan impressed judges with his poetry which brings together Manx culture, folklore and music.

The Manx Bard role aims to encourage an appreciation of poetry, support new writing and bring poetry into community life through events, collaborations and other initiatives.

Speaking after his inauguration at St John’s Methodist Hall on Sunday, Declan said he hoped to use his connections in both poetry and music to bring the two worlds together.

He said: ‘The subject matter of my poems is usually pop culture and folklore, in particular music. There is a distinct Manx flavour to my work. I am fascinated by how tales and songs were passed down the generations, mutating along the way and being influenced by music from outside the island.’

Declan said he hoped this could include collaborations between poets and music groups, as well as gigs where poets and musicians perform together.

Manx Bard founder Bridge Carter said Declan’s enthusiasm had stood out during the selection process.

She said: ‘Declan was so engaging and his enthusiasm really shone through. He’s already a well-known local poet and musician and I loved his take on Manx culture and his ideas for bringing poetry and music together.

‘I’m excited to see what he brings to the role and where he takes it over the next year.’

The inauguration also marked the end of Bradley Chambers’s year as the 11th Manx Bard.

Bridge thanked Bradley for his work attending events and activities across the community, writing new poetry and compiling a collaborative Bardic poem.

Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer and Lady Lorimer attended the inauguration, alongside performances from previous Manx Bards, Manx Youth Bard Matilda Watson and singers Caarjyn Cooidjagh.

The Manx Bard is sponsored by the Isle of Man Arts Council and supported by Culture Vannin.