Molly Dunne Poetry

29/12/2025

On the 14th of December I had the joy of performing at the unveiling of the Sylvia Townsend Warner statue in Dorchester.

It felt quietly powerful to honour a writer whose work, politics, love, and intelligence still offer so much permission. Thank you to VisibleWomenUK and everyone who made this moment possible and so special.

Sylvia is the first non-royal female statue commemorated in Dorchester. She was a writer of extraordinary intelligence and range, a poet, novelist, and a woman who lived and loved without apology. Feels so special to have been a part of this day and see my favourite work of hers, Lolly Willowes, honoured in the statue ✨ 🌾

28/09/2025

✨ A Bardic Year in Review ✨

Bardic year over and out! Now it’s been a moment since the final, I thought I’d take a moment to go back through my year as the 3rd Bard of Caer Dur (still feels a little surreal that it’s over!) It’s been a whirlwind — from ghost stories on Portland to solstice poems beneath Corfe Castle, from radio interviews and open mics to judging at Glastonbury, launching my debut collection Blood on the Bramble, and stepping into Jane Austen’s world at Dorset Museum.

What does a Bard actually do? We listen, we tell, we share — weaving old stories with new voices, and bringing community together through words.

It’s been a year full of laughter, learning, and connection. Now I’ve passed the staff on to the brilliant Rebecca, and I couldn’t be prouder of what the seat achieved this year.

I’ve written a full reflection of my Bardic year over on Substack — come and have a read if you’d like to journey through it with me 🌿

https://open.substack.com/pub/bardofdorchester/p/a-bardic-year-in-review?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

With love,
Molly

09/09/2025

It’s happening! Not long now until Dorchester’s Corn Exchange fills with words, music, and magic! Who will be crowned the next Bard of Dorchester? 🍃

Free event | Sunday 14th Sept, 2–5pm (Doors at 1:30) | All welcome!

09/09/2025

⏰ There is just one week left to visit Jane Austen: Down to the Sea at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery!

Celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth in 1775, the exhibition focuses on the Dorset coastal towns Jane visited or wrote about and the influence it had on her and her writing.

“This delightful show will please die-hard Austenites, and for the rest of us is a timely invitation to dig out one of her books and head down to the beach.” - The Times

📆 Closes 14 September 2025

📸 Students and staff from Arts University Bournemouth in Regency costume at Lyme Regis

05/09/2025

THIS SATURDAY!

So excited to be performing with this wonderful lot at the ‘Words to keep you talking’ showcase with The Jawbone Collective.

“With a vibrant network of friends across the South West and five Devon-based poets in our collective, we're thrilled to finally bring you a Jawbone Spoken Word night of our own! This event will showcase the diverse and powerfully creative voices that make Jawbone special.”

6th September.
Doors open 6.30pm for 7pm start.
Exeter Library, Castle St, Exeter EX4 3PQ

Tickets £8 / £6 con. Buy here...
https://wessex-media.sumupstore.com/product/words-to-keep-you-talking-exeter-library

29/08/2025

Had a lovely time yesterday Dorchester Arts with Jawbone promoting The Bardic Seat of Dorchester and The Jawbone Collective. The Competition is running Sunday 14th of September at The Corn Exchange so make sure to pencil it in your diaries!!

26/08/2025

For a Horse Chestnut that will be greatly missed 🌳

26/08/2025

Such an extraordinary night at Bardfest hosted by Kevan Manwaring in honour of all rivers, especially the River Bride. Many thanks to Kevan and all the talented performers. 💜 Jawbone creative members and friends had the opportunity to share Kate Gold Izzy Robertson Molly Dunne Poetry Peter Roe

22/08/2025

Such a lovely time visiting Keep106 FM this week to talk all things poetry! Catch me and Jawbone Director Peter Roe chatting here:

Molly Dunne the Third Bard of Caer Dur and Peter Roe the Grand Bard of Dorset dropped in to Keep 106 in Dorchester to talk about The Bardic Competition for The Fourth Bard of Caer Dur.