The search for the next young poet of the Isle of Man will begin this week,with organisers determined not to let the current lockdown get in their way.

The search for the next Youth bard was launched this week by the Manx Bard committee, with entries being submitted online.

The position of Manx Youth Bard is open to children aged between 10 and 17 years old who have a passion for writing, reading and performing their own poetry.

The choice of the next young poet will be made on Sunday February 27.

The winning poet will be given the robes of the Manx Youth Bard to wear and invited to perform and speak at a range of public events of the next year.

There is also a prize of £300 for the winning writer.

The current Manx Youth Bard is Xander Shirtliff, 16, who was raised to the bard’s chair in January 2020 after writing a poem about Godred Crovan.

Despite having a year somewhat interrupted by the global pandemic, Xander appeared at a number of social functions, including reading his work in the Douglas council chambers.

Xander is the second youth poet, following on from Hollie McRae, who was named the first youth bard in 2019.

The role was created by the Manx Bard committee, led by Bridge Carter, who said that the role was a natural extension of the Manx Bard.

’Children have the most vivid and original imaginations and so the role of Youth Bard gives them the perfect platform to express themselves well,’ said Bridge.

’The Isle of Man has a special relationship with poetry and storytelling and, with there being a resurgence in the art form in recent years, particularly with our younger generation, the creation of this prestigious post is a wonderful way to inspire and celebrate our talented young people.

’Our Manx Youth Bards play an important role in helping others to bring their stories to life by way of writing and performing.

’The role itself provides a great opportunity for young people across the island by way of enabling them to develop new skills and to discover new ways of sharing their stories.’

Bridge believes that the lockdown has created many new opportunities for poets and writers to share their work.

Anyone who is interested in becoming the next Manx Bard must send their poems, along with a video of themselves performing their work before Monday, February 15.

Entrants can submit up to three poems and all submitted poems will be judged by each of the five Manx Bards.

For more information, For For the full entry details and to submit any poems, email [email protected]

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

by Mike Wade

mike.wade@iomnewspapers

Twitter:@iomnewspapers