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. 

Congratulations to our 2021 winners!

Faith Taylor is our new Worcestershire Young Poet Laureate and winner of the 12 - 15 age group. Abbie-Lou Cox was the winner for the 16 - 18 age group and Alana Booth for the 8 - 11 age group. 

To take part in the competition each applicant was required to submit two poems: one based on this year’s theme ‘adventure’ and a second about anything at all. On the day of the competition final the 12 finalists were given a morning coaching session with tips on how to perform online before taking centre stage and performing their poems to the judges Ellie Dart, Justin Coe and Kevin Brooke. 

The poems submitted to the competition by Faith, Alana and Abbie-Lou and other entrants 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 about Faith's experience as Young Poet Laureate 2021 to find out more.