West Yorkshire has proudly announced its new Young Poets Laureate, marking a significant recognition of the burgeoning literary talent in the region.
The announcement, led by Mayor Tracy Brabin and National Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, underscores a strong commitment to nurturing young voices and celebrating creative expression. The competition, which drew hundreds of submissions from school pupils in years four and nine, is part of a wider initiative driven by the National Literacy Trust. Launched in October, this program aims to foster a love of poetry and encourage young people to express themselves through verse. Professional poets collaborated with teachers across West Yorkshire, engaging students and enhancing their literary skills through workshops and readings.
In the younger category, Max from Pontefract captivated the judges with his whimsical piece, ‘Seven Things Found in My Mum’s Amazon Delivery’, showcasing not only creativity but also a keen observational wit. In the older group, Ayeshah from Calderdale impressed with her poem ‘Primadonna’, which offered profound insights into identity and self-perception, resonating deeply with the panel of judges.
The 2025 laureates will take over from Alina Brdar and Isabelle Walker, West Yorkshire’s first young laureates, who have set a high bar through their participation in high-profile events. Over the past year, they have graced stages at the annual Convention of the North, the British Library’s 50th anniversary, and the BBC’s Contains Strong Language festival, among others.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:
“Alina and Isabelle have been phenomenal ambassadors for young creativity in our region over the past year, and I can’t wait to see Max and Ayeshah follow in their footsteps. Our region is bursting with talent and opportunities, and all of these incredible young poets have bright futures ahead of them.
“We’re building a region of learning and creativity in West Yorkshire, where young people are empowered to follow their passions and contribute to a stronger, brighter region.”
Simon Armitage, National Poet Laureate said:
“Language is constantly changing and young people are at the forefront of those shifts in speech and writing. The young laureates help us see the world with new eyes, and poetry offers a way for emerging generations to navigate their way in a complicated world. The fourteen-year-old Simon Armitage would have loved to have been part of a project like this – if only I’d thought of it forty-odd years ago!”
Sharena Lee Satti, Project Manager at the National Literacy Trust said:
“Writing for pleasure among children and young people in Yorkshire and the Humber is at an all-time low. We want to ensure that no child misses out on the valuable wellbeing benefits of writing for pleasure. The West Yorkshire Young Poet Laureate is empowering children across the region to rediscover the joys of writing and to express themselves through poetry.
“Our winners Max and Ayeshah will now go on to serve as our second cohort of West Yorkshire Young Poet Laureates and help inspire their peers throughout the region to pick up a pen and give poetry a go.”
The National Literacy Trust is a vital independent charity dedicated to empowering children, young people, and adults with essential literacy skills for success. Mastery in reading, writing, speaking, and listening equips individuals with the tools necessary to thrive and the ability to shape their own futures. For more than 30 years, the National Literacy Trust has supported schools, families, and communities both locally and nationally, helping individuals transform their life stories through improved literacy.
This initiative not only highlights the rich pool of young talent in West Yorkshire but also aligns with Mayor Tracy Brabin’s broader ‘You Can Make It Here’ campaign. With a fund of £2.3 million, the campaign is designed to spur economic growth, boost skills, and inspire young individuals to explore creative careers, ensuring the cultural and artistic future of the region remains bright and vibrant.
