Shropshire’s first Young Poet Laureate

Shropshire Council Libraries service and Wenlock Poetry Festival have joined forces to create a brand new role for a young Shropshire poet.

This is an exciting role for a young person who would like to develop his/her creative skills.

The successful candidate will receive mentoring from a professional poet, and will be encouraged to promote both the library service and Wenlock Poetry Festival through
workshops, readings and visits to schools.

The post is for a year from 3 October 2013 to October 2014 and is available to young people living or studying in Shropshire between the ages of 13 and 17.

Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for libraries, said:

“The great thing about poetry is that anything goes. Poems can be serious, silly, funny or sad. My message to budding young poets would be to just have a go. This is a superb opportunity to not just develop your poetry, but experience a wide variety of new skills that can be used throughout life. I hope the 2013 winner is the first in a long line of Young Poet Laureates.”

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 31 July at 5pm. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to perform in front of judges and an audience on the evening of 25th September, and the Laureate will be announced on National Poetry Day, 3 October 2013.

For further information, or to request an application form, please contact Pam Parish, Library Manager for children & young people at Shropshire Council at: pam.parish@shropshire.gov.uk or visit:  www.wenlockpoetryfestival.org.