News & Events
Updated January 30th, 2024
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NEWS
October 14th, 2024
Bardic activities abound! We've seen an increase in circles and competitions this year in our Sylvan lands, best of all a weekend full of classes, feasts, performances, and camaraderie at the Known World Cooks and Bards in our very own Shire of Sterlynge Vale. Megis continues their monthly challenges (details below) with takers from all over the Known World, and would like to help encourage regional challenges throughout the winter months. Reinaldr Bjortapper (Auld) seeks to hold some form of bardic gathering wherever he goes. Our circles at Pennsic and Harvest Raid saw bright new faces and talented, passionate performances. May we keep all these memories with us through the cold winter.
Megis has thrown down the bardic gauntlet to any wishing to improve their breadth of skill with the Twelve Months of Bardic. Please visit the Facebook group for further detail. The link to the challenge details is viewable to those not on Facebook, and if you are interested in participating without being on social media, please contact me at aebards (at) webminister.aethelmearc.org so that I may pass your information on to Megis. Happy barding!
~Éadaoin Ruadh, Rhydderich Hael
EVENTS
The following events hosted by Æthelmearc have a bardic presence. For specific locations and dates, please visit the Event Calendar at Æthelmearc's website
Kingdom Twelfth Night
- Host rotates between Æthelmearc's baronies and shires
- January
- Usually the host of our Sylvan Bardic Competition to determine our kingdom bard. Some years there are themes and rounds of competition. Any citizen of Æthelmearc in attendance may enter. Informal bardic circle generally commences after competition is complete.
Feast of the Seven Deadly Sins
- Hosted by Barony of the Delftwood (Syracuse NY)
- late February
- Bardic gatherings in the past have been themed around pieces that reflect one of the seven deadly sins (loose reflections accepted). Some years, bards receive tokens for their performances
Festival of the Passing of the Ice Dragon
- Hosted by Barony of the Rhydderich Hael (Buffalo area, NY)
- mid to late March
- Bardic gathering happens in popcorn style, without a particular order, and no theme or requirements of performances. Generally attendees can bring their own banners and other decor to add to the immersion. Food and drink is offered depending on the year and venue rules.
Scarlet Guard Inn
- Hosted by Shire of Hornwood (Brockway PA)
- early June
- Bardic gathering in the evening around their main fire. No theme or requirements of performances. Welcoming atmosphere, and fire food shared by the hosts.
St. Swithin's Bog 3-Day Event
- Hosted by Barony of St. Swithin's Bog (Somerset area, PA)
- mid July
- Bardic gathering Saturday evening after Court. Usually accompanied by the Brewers Guild. No theme or requirements of performances. Popcorn style.
Seven Pearls
- Hosted on rotation
- late August to early September
- Bardic competition consisting of a performance from each champion of the seven Æthelmearc Baronies. Bardic circles on Friday and Saturday nights, usually, by the main fire. No theme or requirements for performances.
Harvest Raid
- Hosted by Shire of Heronter (Bemus Point, NY)
- late September
- Bardic circle on Saturday, either afternoon or after feast. Spontaneous bardic activity Friday evening if there's interest, and potentially Saturday as background
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