Huge congratulations to #Kevpayne @andonart for becoming the new #bardofexeter . It was an absolutely awesome night and competition with over 100 audience voters and 8 brilliant competitors. Apologies for not having photos of everyone but they included @hollyebonymusic@jim.causley Susan Taylor Pixie Maz Jak Kearns @gideon_theoldwyvern@michachloe
Huge thanks to @exeter.library for hosting and @exetercityoflit for supporting the role of Bard in Exeter
Thanks to the Grand bard of Exeter @kimweimccarthy for holding the changing of the bard ceremony and invoking the Arwen.
#bard #bardofexeter #kevpaynebardofexeter #ceribakerbardofexeter #exeter #exeterlife #exeterliterature #exeterlive #exeterlibrary
THE LEECHWELL GARDEN RESPECT FESTIVAL AT TOTNES FRINGE
11–12 July 2026
Free • Family Friendly • All Welcome
This year’s Respect Festival curated by Tony Gee is called Hidden Gems — a weekend of stories, performance, poetry, music, dance and shared celebration exploring the hidden life of Leechwell Garden. Across two days, the garden becomes a place of imagination and encounter, filled with tales from Totnes and beyond, voices from different cultures, and activities for all ages.
We will be hunting for the hidden gems of flora and fauna that the garden offers. There will be stories from all over the world as well as tales from Totnesians.
Agbo Theatre will be back with tales from Benin, Niall will tell Scottish stories, Tony Gee will tell a tale from the Middle East, Kevin Payne, the Exeter Bard, will weave his word magic, and Andigwa Dance will run an African Dance workshop.
And there’s more!!! It’s free, there will be refreshments and an international potluck feast on the Sunday A joyful, free community festival celebrating creativity, nature, storytelling and the many worlds that meet in the garden. #totnes #devon #devonevents #totnesfringe
As an illustrator I get to work on so many lovely projects and this was certainly a cute one! If you look at one of the photos, my artwork is even good enough to eat! Yummmmmm #artwork #illustrator
Bank Holiday weekend can only mean one thing….perfect opportunity to share my clouds illustration! How many have you spotted today?! Prints available here: #clouds #bbq #bankholidayweekend #bankholidayvibes
Area 798 in Beijing is an incredible place full of art. Housed in old factory buildings, it’s home to a diverse and eclectic mix. Was recommended to me by a teacher at one of the schools and so glad I got to go!
There are 2 poetry events in the Library tomorrow!!
The Daylight Collective are hosting a poetry workshop about place and self with the current Bard of Exeter Kev Payne. The session is aimed at parents and carers, and children are welcome in the space. 10am - 12pm (entry by donation) - book in advance via @thedaylightcollectivesw or drop in
And at 5.30pm we have our monthly Not Dead Poets - a free drop-in poetry book club where we chat about contemporary poets and eat biscuits. Led by @spork_poetry this informal session is open to everyone. No pre-reading required
Back to Qingdao but discovered a new place to explore! The wonderful Olympic sculpture park is home to incredible statues and stunning views. Beautiful!
Very cool and unexpected find in Beijing. A teacher at today’s school told me about 798 Arts area which is home to converted factory buildings which now house art exhibitions, bars and shops. Very cool!
