School children and students are being given the chance to apply to become the latest young voice for the Isle of Man.

The process to find the second Manx Youth bard was launched this week, and the committee of the Manx Bard are encouraging anyone up to the age of 10 to 17 with a passion for writing and reading poetry to enter.

The committee, led by local writer Bridge Carter, are asking for potential poets to submit up to three original poems by Wednesday, January 15, 2020, and hopes that the competition will encourage more people to put pen to paper.

’The role of the Manx Youth Bard is not as intense as that of the Manx Bard,’ said Bridge.

’I like to think that it helps to give young writers the confidence and the encouragement to write.’

The position of youth bard was launched last year, with QEII student Holly McRae being the first to wear the special bardic robes.

’Last year was amazing, as we had something like 50 people entering, which was slightly overwhelming,’ said Bridge.

’Personally, I think Holly has done an amazing job, as she has actively been promoting poetry to both the older and younger generation.

’In fact I’d go as far as to say that Holly has most certainly inspired many of the younger generation to start writing. ’We are all so very proud of what Holly has achieved already and as with the Manx Bard role Holly will always be the 2019 Manx Youth Bard, as well as the first.

’There are so many good, talented young writers out there, and I am so excited about the competition to find the next Manx Youth Bard.’

Anyone wishing to enter to become the next Manx Youth Bard can request an entry form and a copy of the rules and regulations from Bridge by emailing [email protected]

They can also be picked up from Ramsey, Castletown and the Henry Bloom Noble Library in Douglas.