The Bardic Seat of Caer Dur

The new Bard of Dorchester for 2025 is Rebecca Danicic. She was selected as the Fourth Bard of Caer Dur at a competition held at Dorchester's Corn Exchange on Sunday, September 14, 2025. A poet, storyteller, and performer, Danicic impressed the judges with her command of language, captivating voice, and strong stage presence.

The Bard of Caer Dur, also known as the Bard of Dorchester, is a title celebrating Dorchester's stories and the wider narrative of West Dorset. The annual competition held in Dorchester celebrates local poets, storytellers, and musicians, offering them a platform to showcase their talents. The competition is a free, community event supported by Dorchester Town Council and managed by The Jawbone Collective CIC. The role serves as a cultural ambassador for the region, connecting people through creativity and highlighting regional heritage.

Molly Dunne, the Third Bard of Caer Dur, and Peter Roe, the Grand Bard of Dorset, hosted the event and formally handed over the Bardic Chair to Rebecca Danicic.

THS Chair & Academic Director, Mark Chutter, was one of the judges.

Winning the Bardic Seat of Caer Dur is a significant honor that comes with the responsibility of serving as an ambassador for the arts in Dorchester for a year and a day. The Bard's role involves engaging with the community, hosting events, and setting the theme for the next year's competition.

Established in 2009 by Jerry Bird and revived in his memory by Peter Roe, the competition aims to promote the arts within the community and honor Dorchester’s rich literary heritage, including figures like Thomas Hardy and William Barnes. The competition, supported by The Jawbone Collective CIC, encourages participation from creatives across the Southwest.

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