3 days ago
'Bard of Dorchester' competition searching for its next poet
The search is underway for Dorset's next champion of words and wit as The Bard of Dorchester competition opens for entries from new talent.
The competition is open to storytellers, poets, spoken word artists and musicians aged 18 and over, with six finalists getting the opportunity to perform at the live final on Sunday, September 14 at Dorchester Corn Exchange.
The winner will be crowned the Bard of Caer Dur for the next year.
All styles of storytelling are welcome, including traditional, experimental, musical, poetic and hybrid forms.
Applications close at midnight on Friday, August 15.
To find out more or to apply, visit or email bardofdorchester@
READ: Voices from Weymouth and Portland sought for new interactive poetry trail
Current Bard of Caer Dur, Molly Dunne, has embraced her year in the role. (Image: The Bard of Dorchester) Molly Dunne, the current Bard of Caer Dur, has used her tenure to perform at local events, serve as Writer in Residence for Dorset Museum's Jane Austen: Down to the Sea exhibition, and publish her debut poetry collection, Blood on the Bramble.
Molly said: "Being appointed Bard of Dorchester truly made my year.
"It's opened doors, introduced me to brilliant people in the community, and given me the chance to keep creating.
"Although my time is nearly up, I can't wait to see what the next Bard brings to the role."
