The quest to find the fifth Manx Bard opens this week with an appeal for any prospective writers, lyricists, scribes or wordsmiths to enter.

The organisers of the position of Manx Bard have appealed to anyone who loves to read and write original poetry, has a particular affinity with Manx culture and heritage, and would like to represent the island to enter.

The competition to have your name added to a growing list of the poetic luminaries of the island is open to anyone aged 18 or over, and who lives full-time in the Isle of Man.

Those who enter are judged on the quality of poetry and creative skill, their performance, their love and knowledge of local history and the traditions on which the Bard’s position comes from, as well as their particular initiatives they feel they can bring to this prestigious role.

Since the position of the Manx Bard was posthumously awarded to the great Manx poet T.E.Brown, in 2014, three other local writers have been awarded the title.

Stacy Astill became the first living Manx Bard in 2015, and was followed by John ’Dog’ Callister and, last year, by Sara Goodwins.

The role has taken Bards across the British Isles, and even as far afield as the USA to read their works and talk about the island.

Bridgit Carter, head of the Manx Bard committee, believes that the position of Manx Bard has helped spark a growth in local poetry, and has also helped fuel interest in the Isle of Man.

’Since the position of Manx Bard was created, interest and enthusiasm has been growing among island residents,’ said Bridget. ’The Bard has been a major feature in many of the celebrations of Manx culture and history, off island as well as on.’

The closing date for applications is Friday, August 17, and interviews will take place on Saturday, August 25, before the new Bard will be inaugurated on Sunday, August 26.

Entry forms can be downloaded from the Manx Bard Facebook page, collected from the Henry Bloom Noble Library, Noble’s Library and also Peel, Ramsey and Castletown libraries or obtained by emailing [email protected] or [email protected]

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