Aspiring young writers have been invited to take part in Worcestershire's Young Poet Laureate Competition.

The contest, run by Worcestershire Libraries, Severn Arts and Public Health Worcestershire, is looking for young poets, aged 10 to 18, to represent the county.

Amelie Simon, the Young Poet Laureate 2023, spoke glowingly about competing in the competition last year.

 

 

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She said: "I never could have dreamt of getting up on a stage to read my own poetry, but I’ve discovered that the stage offers me a place to be authentically me and to have a great time doing it.

"I’ve met some of the most incredible people and found so much comfort in the art form."

Participants need to submit a poem on the theme of 'Change' to enter the competition, which is divided into three age categories: school years six to eight, nine to 11 and 12 to 13.

The application deadline is at 5pm on Monday, April 1.

Finalists will be invited to perform at The Hive in Worcester, where a winner from each group will be picked, before one is crowned as the Young Poet Laureate 2024.

Previous laureates have had their work published, performed live, been interviewed on local radio and been called upon for commissioned projects.

Jen Loffman, community producer at Severn Arts, said: "This year we really want to celebrate poetry in all its forms and would love to hear from songwriters, rappers and spoken word artists as well as poetry writers."

Dr Lisa McNally, director of public health for Worcestershire County Council, pointed out the link between art and well-being.

She said: "Expressing yourself through art, like poetry, can really boost people’s well-being.

"The Young Poet Laureate competition is a great opportunity for young people to unleash their creativity, build their confidence, and make new friendships."

Boosting young talents, Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for communities at council, said: "Worcestershire’s Young Poet Laureate competition provides young people with an exciting opportunity to become immersed in poetry reading, writing, and performance."

The contest final will take place at The Hive on Sunday, April 28.

Further information and application details can be found at www.severnarts.org.uk/ypl24.