When he was appointed Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage pledged to create a new scheme to appoint a Young Poet Laureate in every region of England. Today's event celebrates the result, bringing together the initial group of twelve Young Laureates from across the nation for the very first time. Simon Armitage, fellow poet Testament and West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, who were all involved in choosing Young Laureates from thousands of applicants, join us today to hear poems by the young people they selected. In a celebration of the importance of poetry in learning and self-expression, this event also features poetry by Simon Armitage himself, and a discussion of the programme's impact on schools with the head of the National Literacy Trust, Jonathan Douglas.
When he was appointed Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage pledged to create a new scheme to appoint a Young Poet Laureate in every region of England. Today's event celebrates the result, bringing together the initial group of twelve Young Laureates from across the nation for the very first time. Simon Armitage, fellow poet Testament and West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, who were all involved in choosing Young Laureates from thousands of applicants, join us today to hear poems by the young people they selected. In a celebration of the importance of poetry in learning and self-expression, this event also features poetry by Simon Armitage himself, and a discussion of the programme's impact on schools with the head of the National Literacy Trust, Jonathan Douglas.