Each year, young people from across the county are invited to take part in a poetry competition run jointly by Severn Arts and Worcestershire County Council. The competition is open to children and young people aged 8 – 18. One winner is chosen for each age bracket (8 - 11, 12 - 15, 16 - 18) and from the three finalists, one young person is awarded the title of Young Poet Laureate. 

In 2020 Ellie Dart was crowned Worcestershire's Young Poet Laureate. Amber McAndrew was the winner for the 8 - 11 age group and Joshua Dyer for the 12 - 15 age group.

The poems submitted to the competition by Ellie Dart, Amber McAndrew, Joshua Dyer and other competition finalists can all be read in the online collection below.

Young Poet Laureate not only celebrates young people’s writing talent, but gives an opportunity to perform to a wide range
of audiences, building confidence and offering a platform to get work into a public arena. Read Ellie's story to find out more.