Flag Fen

Battle of the Bards 2009 (at Eisteddfod Festival, 27th & 28th June)

Battle of the Bards 2009...
Watch local contestants wage a war of words as they fight it out to be crowned Chief Bard of the Fens 2009.
Last year was the first time the Battle of the Bards was held in Peterborough where judges crowned Robin Hearne Chief Bard of the Fens after his compelling performance. This year Robin returns to the competition, but as a judge rather than a competitor. Robin has also selected the theme for the competition this year which is wolves.

General Manager from Flag Fen Neil Hart explains, “This is the second year we have held the Eisteddfod event at Flag Fen. We already have five entrants to the Battle of the Bard competition including Peterborough’s Poet Laureate from 2007-2008, Mark Grist. If there are any more potential competitors that would like to take part now is the time to get in touch!”

To enter the competition please contact Nyree Ambarchian: n.t.ambarchian@hotmail.co.uk or call 07917793928

Entrants need to fill in a quick easy registration form by Wednesday 24th June, and be ready to perform for 15 minutes on Sunday 28th June. Each entrant will get 15 minutes to wow the judges. Entrants can perform three poems or one story in this time.

Picture shows: Robin Hearne, Chief Bard of the Fens 2008-2009 just after he was crowned winner last year!

Eisteddfod - Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June 2009

The upcoming Eisteddfod event at Flag Fen on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June will see something for everyone at this celebration of creativity, art, poetry, storytelling, music, performance and arts & crafts. Fun for the whole family!

The Eisteddfod event is based on the ancient Celtic festival which our ancestors who lived at Flag Fen took part in every year. The festival can be traced back to the 12th Century.

Throughout the weekend there will be a host of activities and events to get involved in, including: story-telling in a Bronze Age roundhouse, poetry readings, children’s workshops, arts and crafts stalls, music, dancing and a delicious hog roast.”

Highlights to look forward to on Saturday 27th June...
· The Peterborough Young Poet of the Year competition with Peterborough Library
· Story telling from the Ramsey Story Tellers
· Poetry readings from Poets United

Highlights to look forward to on Sunday 28th June...
· Traditional folk music from Eel Pie
· Performances from local dance groupsThe Battle of the Bards – who will be crowned Chief Bard of the Fens 2009?

Full details of the event:
The Eisteddfod event will run from 10.30am - 4pm on both Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June. Admission for an adult costs just £5.00 with free entry for children under five. No need to pre-book, simply come along for one or both days!

How to get to Flag Fen:
Flag Fen can be accessed by bicycle and foot via the Green Wheel (approximately 5 miles or 1.5 hours from Peterborough Railway and Bus Station on foot and 45 minutes by bicycle). By car Flag Fen is just ten minutes away from Peterborough city centre and can be accessed from Junction 5 of the A1139 or via the B1040 from Whittlesey or Thorney, turning at the Dog in the Doublet Pub. Brown signs direct travellers from Peterborough but not from Whittlesey or Thorney.

Visit www.flagfen.com for more details.