Jawbone Events

We run regular literature and poetry events across Dorset and online.

Bard of Dorchester Contest

The Jawbone Collective hosts the annual Bard of Dorchester contest to champion our region’s creative talent. This project brings West Dorset’s poets, storytellers, and musicians together to revive our rich literary heritage.

Group of eight women and one man standing together on stage, with some wearing costumes and others casual clothing.

 2025’s Bardic Seat Contest Entrants with Peter Roe - Grand Bard of Dorset and Molly Dunne 3rd Bard of Caer Dur, Dorchester 

A bard is a modern-day keeper of stories, weaving community spirit and truth through the power of the spoken word and or song. The winner steps into a prestigious role, serving as Dorchester’s and West Dorset’s creative ambassador for a year and a day. During their tenure, our new Bard will host vibrant local events, engage the community, and set the theme for the next competition. It is an extraordinary opportunity to amplify your voice, build your profile, and lead our artistic community forward.

Are you a storyteller, poet, spoken word artist, or musician with something to say?

The Bard of Dorchester competition is back, and we want to hear your voice.

A woman standing on a stage, dressed in a black shirt and gray pants, reaching out with her right arm, with a microphone on a stand decorated with green ivy nearby, in front of a black curtain.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or brand new to sharing your work aloud, this is your invitation to step forward.

We welcome entries from people of all backgrounds, ages 18+, and all styles of storytelling - traditional, experimental, musical, poetic, hybrid and beyond. Six finalists will be invited to perform at the live final on Sunday 14th September in Dorchester, where one will be crowned the 4th Bard of Caer Dur, holding the title for the year.

Each finalist will prepare a 10-minute performance that includes:

  • A manifesto (who you are, what you care about, what you'll do as Bard)

  • An original piece of any form or theme

  • A Dorset-connected piece (inspired by a Dorset writer, artist, or landmark)

These can be performed separately or woven together. We welcome work from poets, storytellers, musicians, and spoken word artists of all backgrounds and experience levels.

The Bard of Dorchester is about community, folklore, and the radical act of telling your truth aloud. If that calls to you - step forward. We want to hear you.

Applications close: 9pm Friday 21st August 2026

A group of eight women and one man standing on a stage decorated with green vines. One woman is speaking at a microphone, and a man in a plaid suit stands on the far right. There is a banner in the background with the words 'The Bardic Seat of Dorchester' and other text.

About the contest

Our roots stretch back to 2009 when the late Jerry Bird established the Bardic Seat of Caer Dur to honor Dorchester's deep literary legacy, specifically celebrating figures like William Barnes and Thomas Hardy. Following Jerry's passing, Peter Roe revived the competition in his memory to preserve this tradition, foster civic pride, and keep our regional distinctiveness alive. While we currently produce the contest as a community service, our long-term vision is to see the bardic seat weave permanently into the cultural fabric of the area, eventually growing into an official role supported by the town of Dorchester itself.

See what the Bard of Caer Dur Rebecca Danicic has been doing since being crowned last September: https://bardofdorchester.substack.com/

Jawbone Open Mics

A group of people participating in a video conference call, visible in individual video windows arranged in a grid.

Jawbone Online - Via Zoom

Jawbone Online. For over four years Peter Roe has hosted a monthly online Open Mic. A wonderful and encouraging community has formed with attendees from all parts of the UK and the occasional drop in from other places far and wide.

The open mics are vital part of our community life. A place where nurture future authors and meet up with the our broader community of supporters.

Last Monday of the Month @ 7.15pm for 7.30pm Registration is necessary for first time visitors.

A person with glasses, short light-colored hair, wearing a colorful sweater vest over a gray shirt, is speaking at a microphone during a presentation or event. There are several audience members visible from behind, and a black banner with the word 'JAWBON' and an animal skull graphic is behind the speaker.

Jawbone @ Poet Laureate Dochester

The 4th Tuesday of the Month. 7pm @ the Poet Laureate, Poundbury This is a uplifting, joyous, inclusive community event. An extremely encouraging place to grow in confidence.

Jawbone @ the Poet Laureate - since August 2023 we have been hosted by Neil and the Team at the aptly called Poet Laureate in Poundbury. It's been an extremely well attended event right from the start.

We have had the delight of watching an array of budding & talented poets, writers, storytellers and singer-songwriters perform.