The search has begun to find the next voice of the Isle of Man.

Local poets, story tellers and writers have been invited to apply to become the next Manx Bard.

The title of the Manx Bard is awarded each year to a local poet and sees applicants judged not only on their poetry, but also on the level of their performance.

The role is described as ’ a unique opportunity to take part in constructing a significant cultural legacy for the island, helping to promote and heighten our reputation as an worthy contributor to the world of culture’.

The winning writer would also need to have some understanding of Manx heritage and the Celtic tradition from which the role originates and, once chosen, be dressed in the ceremonial Bardic robes, presented with the special Bardic staff and sat on the unique wooden seat of the bards.

The title also comes with some abassadorial responsibilities, with the Bard being required to act as a representative of the Isle of Man, and travel to off-island events, highlighting and promoting the island’s culture and heritage .

Since the title was created in 2014, when it was awarded posthumously to TE Brown, there have been five more writers christened Manx Bard, including Stacy Astill, John ’Dog’ Callister, Sara Goodwins and the current bard, Annie Kissack.

The cultural initiative is backed by the Isle of Man Arts Council and endorsed by Culture Vannin, and Jane Corkill, the arts development manager with the Arts Council, said that the role is an important one for the Isle of Man.

’Each year, the appointment of a new Bard brings new poetry to the Manx people, broadening our culture and leaving a legacy of the spoken word for generations to come,’ said Jane.

’It is an illustrious title and its reputation and renown is now accepted island-wide.

’Poetry is a vital art and its popularity endures but we are also seeing and supporting the growing understanding of the power of the written and spoken word for wellbeing.

’The Isle of Man Arts Council looks forward to the appointment of the next Bard and wishes all the participants the very best of luck.’

Application forms can be obtained from either the Henry Bloom Noble Library in Douglas or by emailling the Manx Bard team at [email protected]

The closing date for entries is Friday, August 16, and those who make it through to the competition will be interviewed on Saturday, August 24.

The inauguration of the successful seventh Manx Bard will take place on the following Sunday.

The next public engagement for the Manx Bard will be tomorrow (Friday), during Tynwald Day, when Annie Kissack, along with the Manx Youth Bard, Holly McRae, will be hosting a poetry corner in the playground of the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh, St Johns.

by Mike wade

twitter:@iomnewspapers