Celebrating the Island’s Voice
The Isle of Wight Poet Laureate is a new initiative launching in January 2026 to celebrate the creativity, diversity, and spirit of the island through poetry.
The Laureate will be a cultural ambassador — representing the Isle of Wight through original poems, performances, and community engagement over a two-year term (2026–2028).
Their words will capture what makes our island special: its people, places, wildlife, and ever-changing sea.
Our Vision
We believe poetry belongs to everyone.
It can comfort, inspire, challenge, and connect — whether read aloud in a classroom, performed at a festival, or discovered quietly on a park bench.
The Isle of Wight Poet Laureate Programme aims to:
Champion poetry as a vital and accessible art form for all ages
Celebrate local voices and encourage new writing talent
Strengthen cultural identity and pride in our island heritage
Bring poetry into schools, libraries, community spaces, and unexpected places
Create opportunities for collaboration across the island’s creative, educational, and cultural networks
Who We Are
The Isle of Wight Poet Laureate Programme is coordinated by Lemon Jelly Press CIC, a community interest company dedicated to championing creativity, accessibility, and local storytelling.
The programme is supported by Creative Island, Isle of Wight County Press, Quay Arts Centre, and The National Poetry Centre. alongside volunteers.
Together, we are building a platform for poets and communities to come together — celebrating the Isle of Wight as a place where creativity thrives.
Our Proposal:
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Our Safeguarding Policy: