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Manx Bard New top poet aims to 'be a voice' for island's people.txt
New top poet aims to 'be a voice' for Manx people31 August 2025ShareSaveAshlea TraceyBBC News,"""bingo cash""" Isle of ManShareSaveTeam BardBradley Chambers has become the 11th person to take on the position of Manx BardThe new Manx Bard has said he aims to "be a voice for islanders" by bringing the "realities of ordinary people to life" through his poetry. Selected by panellists at an annual competition, Bradley Chambers has become the 11th person to hold the role which was created to promote poetry on the island.Launched by the Isle of Man Arts Council and supported by Culture Vannin, it stems from a Celtic tradition of a bard being the historian and storyteller within a community.A social work manager, Mr Chambers said it was an "immense surprise" to be picked for the appointment given that he has only called the island "home" for two years.Originally from West Yorkshire, he has taken over the post from Jordanne Kennaugh following an inauguration ceremony on a farm in Colby.The title of first Manx Bard was awarded posthumously in 2014 to the author T E Brown, born in Douglas in 1830, who is best known for the Fo'c's'le Yarns series of Manx dialect poems, which earned him international recognition as a leading poet.Mr Chambers said following in the footsteps of nine other Manx Bards and T E Brown himself was "quite daunting" as "everyone has brought something different to the role".But he also said he felt a "great sense of honour and privilege" to "represent the island" and share his poetry with a wider audience.Manx storiesDuring his year-long tenure, the bard said he would like to act as "a voice for islanders to bring the stories and the realities of ordinary people to life".He said he was also inspired by the "beauty of the island", which could be found in "the hills, the valleys, and the bays" as well as the island's folklore.He was "looking forward to telling some of the stories of the Isle of Man" both on island itself and further afield, he continued.The challenge would be to pen "original" works given "the island's rich history and culture", he added.Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.More on this storyNew bard to add to 'rich tapestry' of Manx cultureRecital of renowned Manx poem released onlineRelated internet linksIsle of Man Arts CouncilCulture VanninCulturePoetry
