THE hunt is on for the poets of the future as the search begins for Worcestershire’s next Young Poet Laureate.
Teenagers wanting to take part in the competition should send in two poems, one on the subject of ‘Freedom’ and the other on a subject of their choice.
To enter, entrants need to be aged between 13 and 19 and live in Worcestershire, or attend a school, college, university or youth club in the county.
The winner is awarded a commission of £150 to write and perform poems throughout the year.
Entries need to be submitted before midnight on Sunday, December 31 and the next Young Poet Laureate will be revealed at a final in January at The Hive.
Coun Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member for Communities on Worcestershire County Council, said: “Being able to express yourself is so important for young people to navigate their way from childhood into adulthood. Poetry offers young people a rich palette to pick from.
“The Word Up! competition is open to anyone from any background and designed to encourage all young people to take part.”
Natalie McVey, Service Lead for Young People added: “Writing poetry is a great way to express yourself and have fun with language. It doesn’t have to be daunting or difficult. It’s about rhythm, rhymes and creativity.”
Application forms can be downloaded from www.worcestershire.gov.uk/wordup
