Aspiring young writers across Worcestershire still have time to apply for Worcestershire’s Young Poet Laureate competition, with applications open until 28 March.
Open to students in school years 6 to 13, the competition invites young writers to unleash their creativity and explore the topics that matter most to them.
To celebrate World Book Day, the current Young Poet Laureate, Iona Campbell, has written a captivating poem that explores the magic of storytelling.
Iona shared: “I had the idea that the end of a book is the beginning of the stories forming in the reader’s mind and that characters leave a lasting impression. I also structured the poem to follow the journey from night to day and through the seasons to influence the reader’s perception. I noticed that many well-known children’s books are set in forests – so that became a running theme!"
Watch Iona recite her poem, ‘Read me’
Councillor Karen May, Cabinet Member for Communities at Worcestershire County Council, said: "Iona’s poem beautifully captures the magic of storytelling, showing just how powerful words can be. This competition is a wonderful opportunity for young people to showcase their talent and creativity.”
Jen Loffman, Community Producer at Severn Arts, adds: “As Young Poet Laureate, part of Iona’s role is to inspire young people to explore the world of reading, and her World Book Day poem is a celebration of just that. By weaving in references to beloved children's stories, she sparks curiosity and shows that reading can be fun and exciting adventure for everyone.”
How to apply?
Young people living or studying in Worcestershire can apply for this year’s competition by submitting a poem on the theme of ‘courage.’ Submissions will be judged across three age groups:
- school years 6 to 8
- school years 9 to 11
- school years 12 to 13
Finalists from each category will perform live at The Hive in Worcester, where a winner will be selected from each group. One of these winners will earn the prestigious title of Worcestershire’s Young Poet Laureate 2025.
The competition is jointly run by Worcestershire County Council Library Service and Severn Arts and funded by Public Health Worcestershire. It celebrates the county’s talented young poets, offering incredible opportunities. Previous Young Poet Laureates have had their work published, performed live, been interviewed by local radio, and commissioned to write more poetry.
To find out more information and apply, visit the Severn Arts website.
The deadline for applications is 5:00pm on Friday 28 March 2025. The final will take place at The Hive on Sunday 27 April 2025.
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