We were set up to promote and celebrate the spoken-word arts in Northampton and to establish a Bardic Chair contest to find a Bard for Northampton which we have used as the central focus of an annual festival of words and music in the grounds of Delapre Abbey called 'The Bardic Picnic'. We also run a monthly open mic forum called 'Raising the Awen' for people of all abilities at Northampton Labour Club on the third Wednesday of every month 8.30 -11pm. We promote fairness, equality and diversity.

We endeavor to create an inclusive non judgemental atmosphere for people of all backgrounds and abilities to meet, celebrate and exchange ideas in a place of common ground. This is an effort to strengthen and sustain links with other local groups and links between disparate sections of the local community. Through the power of the spoken word we hope to give a voice to those who find it difficult to be heard and to help get people sharing their stories with one another.

Our monthly event provides a forum for performers of all abilities to showcase new material whether an old hand or new conscript. As a collection of local artists and community volunteers the group all benefit from the facilitation of expression and inclusion to the truth of the word. Our annual festival provides an opportunity for local performers to showcase their talent to an audience of up to 1500 people who also have the chance to become empowered through interactive opportunities.