Annie Kissack crowned new Manx Bard

Takes over from Sara Goodwins for 2018/19

The new Manx Bard has been crowned.

At an event held at Paul Costain's farm in Rushen last night (Sun 26), Annie Kissack was announced as the fifth winner of the annual award.

She takes up the mantle from Sara Goodwins, with Jon 'Dog' Callister and Stacey Astill among the previous winners.

The Bard is a cultural initiative - sponsored by the Arts Council and endorsed by Culture Vannin - where the winning poet is selected by a panel of judges based on their poems, performance, and bringing innovation to the role.

As part of the prize, the Bard attends events on and off island throughout the year to promote Manx culture - something the newest winner says she's very much looking forward to: