THE BARD OF AYLESBURY

ABOUT THE BARD

The Bard of Aylesbury is a role created and curated by Unbound, in partnership with Aylesbury Town Council.

A bard is a storyteller who represents the creativity and culture of the place after which they’re named. They're recognised as an historical public figure who attends events and special occasions in the town – somewhere between a town crier, a poet Laurette, and a court jester!

Bards are called upon to offer a moment of creativity or culture. Their job is to celebrate the parish and all that happens within it through a creative medium.

WHO'S THE BARD?

Bards serve an annual term in the role before passing on the mantle to a new performer. The Bard of Aylesbury for 2026-2027 is Hannah Rogers, whom many will recognise from appearances in Unbound productions and as a member of the QPAC team. Hannah will be spending her term attending special occasions and venues around the town, and celebrating them through poems and stories!

BOOKING THE BARD

If you're holding an event in Aylesbury and would like the bard to make an appearance, then get in touch! The bard can perform a range of duties from formal readings at special occasions, to helping open events or venues with a specially-written poem. These occasions can - availability allowing - be booked for free, and are coordinated by Unbound and Queens Park Arts Centre.

As part of Unbound's wider storytelling activity, the bard can also be booked for longer performances of themed storytelling to suit any occasion. There is a fee for these bookings (to cover writing and prep time), which we're happy to discuss if needed.

To make an enquiry, fill out the contact form below.

Our heartfelt thanks to Aylesbury Town Council for their generous support in launching this exciting new project - a celebration of storytelling for our home town.

RECENT APPEARANCES

Weston Turville Union Chapel (July 2026)

The Bard was invited to speak at the summer BBQ at Weston Turville Union Chapel, celebrating the anniversary of the chapel's founding, and its role in the community.

Stone House Summer Party (July 2026)

Weston Turville Union Chapel (July 2026)

The Bard attended Stone House Residential Home to open their Bridgerton-themed summer garden party, thanking staff, volunteers, residents and visitors.

Aylesbury-on-Sea (June 2026)

Weston Turville Union Chapel (July 2026)

Mayor Making Ceremony (May 2026)

Aylesbury Town Council's always-popular summer event was officially opened by the Bard, with an ode all about seaside fun as well as the Aylesbury Games event!

Mayor Making Ceremony (May 2026)

Hannah's first official engagement was to celebrate outgoing Mayor of Aylesbury Nidhi Meta's term in the role, as part of the Town Council's ceremony.

Changing of the Bard (May 2026)

Mayor Making Ceremony (May 2026)

Changing of the Bard (May 2026)

Hannah Rogers' first appearance as Bard took place at Queens Park Arts Centre, in which she was welcomed to the role by all three former Bards of Aylesbury!

MEET THE BARD

Hannah Rogers (2026-present)

The current Bard of Aylesbury is Hannah Rogers. Hannah is an accomplished actor, having appeared in countless productions both at Queens Park Arts Centre and venues further afield. She'll be headed out and about to live events and celebrations this summer!

Patrick Cline (2025-2026)

Patrick's term of bard saw him continue the tradition of bringing poems and stories to live events and community venues across the town, as well as a few songs from his trusty lute, Lutesy! Pat also marked various national holidays and events through filmed odes shared online.

Laike Twiss (2024-2025)

Gareth Johnson (2023-2024)

Laike served as Bard from 2024 to 2025. Their term in the role involved attending all manner of live events, venues, and celebrations, including the very first Pride in the Park event in August 2024. Laike is the manager of the town's Railyway Club and continues to appear in stage and audio production for Unbound.

Gareth Johnson (2023-2024)

Gareth was the inaugural Bard, serving in the role from 2023 to 2024. His appearances spanned many live events, including the annual Mayor Making ceremony, Parklife Weekend, Carolfest, and the presentation of the King's Award for Voluntary Service at Queens Park Arts Centre.

THE BARD OF AYLESBURY

ABOUT THE BARD

WHO'S THE BARD?

BOOKING THE BARD

READ THE BARD'S LATEST POEMS AND STORIES ON OUR BLOG

“Creativity is the beating heart of Aylesbury, and the bard is the symbol of something I hope the town can be proud of”

RECENT APPEARANCES

Weston Turville Union Chapel (July 2026)

Weston Turville Union Chapel (July 2026)

Weston Turville Union Chapel (July 2026)

Stone House Summer Party (July 2026)

Weston Turville Union Chapel (July 2026)

Weston Turville Union Chapel (July 2026)

Aylesbury-on-Sea (June 2026)

Weston Turville Union Chapel (July 2026)

Mayor Making Ceremony (May 2026)

Mayor Making Ceremony (May 2026)

Mayor Making Ceremony (May 2026)

Mayor Making Ceremony (May 2026)

Changing of the Bard (May 2026)

Mayor Making Ceremony (May 2026)

Changing of the Bard (May 2026)

BARD ON FILM

COMING SOON!

MEET THE BARD

Hannah Rogers (2026-present)

Patrick Cline (2025-2026)

Laike Twiss (2024-2025)

Gareth Johnson (2023-2024)

Gareth Johnson (2023-2024)

Gareth Johnson (2023-2024)

Gareth Johnson (2023-2024)

Gareth Johnson (2023-2024)

BOOK THE BARD

Want to book the Bard of Aylesbury for an event? Fill in the form below and be sure to include your event's name, date and time, and detail what type of performance / activity you're looking for.

Unbound Theatre