Poetry fans gathered at the Woolpack on Tuesday 5th October for a close run contest to decide who would be the new Bard of Buckingham. The rules of the Bardic Council were few but precise; both entrants were confirmed to live within a ‘days walk of the Buckingham Old Gaol’.
Two rounds took place – the first allowed the two contestants to read two poems of their own creation to the audience, while after a short break and some challenging audience questions they each read a third poem specifically linked to Buckingham.
The audience wrote the name of their favourite poet on slips of paper for a secret ballot, and after a quick count up Sami SET was declared to be the winner.
Sami was delighted to be chosen and told us that they “can’t wait to give voice to those of Buckingham who may sometimes feel they are not heard both through interaction with those people or by an association of the lived experiences that I will be sharing on stage.”
Alongside the competition was an array of fantastic entertainment including music from Stephen Ferneyhough and Brother Homebrew, Poetry from Dean Jones, the outgoing Bard of Buckingham and Kezzabelle, Bard of Northampton.
Sami has already had their first public appearance as Bard of Buckingham and written their first commissioned poem for the arrival of the Charter Fair in Buckingham.
Fair Fun by Sami SET
You really look quite horrible.
Squashed short then stretched out tall.
Laughing as we point
To our reflections in the hall.
Lucky ones attend
With their siblings, Dad and Mum
But all are not so fortunate
Not always fair when having fun
No one to buy them Candy
No drinks with straws to suck
Not a chance to hook a prize
No one to give a duck
No huge cuddles to wish for
As they wander in and out
Making their way past the many rides
Where others scream and shout
That’s something they can relate to
Lots of that back home
Usually with tears, not laughter
A whole other vibe and tone
So if for you it’s all enjoyment
Don’t feel guilty as you play and eat
Be mindful of your privilege
As you enjoy your fun fair treat
Think you see such sadness
Feel you have enough to share?
Then pay forward some love and smiles
Life’s NOT always such Funfair.
For enquiries please contact Paul Hodson at Buckingham Town Council on 01280 816426, office@buckingham-tc.gov.uk.