h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Exeter is one of around 30 ancient locations with the right to elect a bard or bardic chair each year.

Exeter has excercised that right again in recent years, by secret ballot.

The incumbent holds the post for a year and one day, before inviting applicants to compete for the title.

The latest election was held recently

http://www.thisisdevon.co.uk/search/search.html?searchPhrase=Celtic+devon&where=&searchType=&orderByOption=dateDesc

Here's another piece on the Choosing of the Bard, with pictures of the contestants...

Looks like it was an interesting evening.

http://suite101.com/a/new-bardic-chair-caer-wyse-aka-exeter

...and this has attracted some interest from our cousins west of the Tamar

http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/discussions/litle-bit-Devon-s-Celtic-Brythonic-connection-New/discussion-18211124-detail/discussion.html#axzz2R6pT1ZWS

Although one or two "points of view" are so one-eyed that it would make Odin proud, there seem a few more people are more open to the idea of Devon's celticity.

Here is a post from the West-Briton website.

http://www.westbriton.co.uk/discussions/litle-bit-Devon-s-Celtic-Brythonic-connection-New/discussion-18211124-detail/discussion.html

This appears to be a more rational discussion about the Celtic influence in Devon ( and the broader south west), and a side comment on how easily the language used can give the "impression" of racism.