BEFORE dawn at this year’s Summer Solstice celebrations, a new tradition was born at Stonehenge as poets gathered for the first-ever “Poetry Corner”.

The special area, introduced by Arthur Uther Pendragon – widely known as King Arthur – saw poets perform original work from midnight onwards in a two-man, two-woman Bardic tag team challenge.

The idea is intended to become an annual feature of the Solstice, launching what Arthur hopes will become the “Battle of the Bards”.

Quoting historian Professor Ronald Hutton, he said: “If there is no tradition, then we’ll create one.”

Among those taking part were members of Salisbury’s monthly poetry open mic group, New SaRhyme, who joined other performers in what organisers say established the first holders of the Bardic Chair of Stonehenge.

Arthur is now inviting poets from across the country to attend future Solstice celebrations and challenge for the title by performing their own work at the ancient monument.

New SaRhyme poets were present by what organisers described as “Royal Appointment”, after the Salisbury group was awarded a charter by King Arthur Pendragon and the Loyal Arthurian Warband last year.