The Bard of Armagh Cultural Tradition Group is a cross Community Voluntary Organisation one of whose objectives is to bring together people from different backgrounds under the common focus of self expression and creativity.
Through myths, legends, tales, parables, poetry and song the Celtic Bards like the Anglo Saxon Gleemen, the Norse Skalds and the Japanese Zenza were revered members of society who kept tradition and mysteries alive for the people. As wandering shamen they were historians, healers and entertainers all in one.
In medieval Ireland a Bard had important status. It was a profession that required years of apprenticeship. A competent Bard was in demand by the nobility as their propagandist. A king was allowed to wear seven colours and the Bard six. At banquets and major functions, the Bard sat next to the king and was served immediately.
Today's Bard of Armagh Competition creates a platform for versifiers to unleash their creative energies to an appreciative audience. The competition provides an alternative form of entertainment to the sometime shallow, passive and contrived art form of today. All sorts of themes are carefully woven into humorous verse, which is certain to generate convulsions of laughter- a truly therapeutic experience, full of healing properties.
