Worcestershire Young Poet Laureate is run jointly by Severn Arts and Worcestershire Libraries, celebrating the talented voices of young local poets by inviting them to submit their written poetry for the opportunity to perform at the Young Poet Laureate final. 

The competition is open to children and young people aged 10 – 18. One winner is chosen for each age bracket (school years 6 - 8, 9 - 11 and 12 - 13) and from the three finalists, one young person is awarded the title of Young Poet Laureate. 

2023 Young Poet Laureate and category competition winners

Amelie Simon is Worcestershire's Young Poet Laureate 2023 and winner of the year 12 - 13 group. Bethany Lunney was the winner for the year 6 - 8 group and Evie West for the year 9 - 11 group. 

To take part in the competition each applicant was required to submit a poem based on the theme 'Time'. Shortlisted applicants then had the opportunity to perform their poem, along with a second poem, at the Young Poet Laureate final at The Hive on Sunday 19 March.

The poems submitted to the competition by Amelie, Bethany and Evie and other entrants can all be read in the online collection below. 

Previous Young Poet Laureate competitions 

2021
2020