Poet Laureate (noun) — a poet officially appointed to compose poems for special occasions, to represent and celebrate the voice, culture, and spirit of a nation, region, or community through their work.
Meet The Isle of Wight’s Poet Laureate
We are delighted to announce that Sarah Nicole has been appointed Isle of Wight Poet Laureate for 2026–2028, following an exciting selection process that celebrated the wealth of poetic talent across the Island.
Throughout the judging process, Sarah's work stood out for its exceptional craftsmanship, distinctive voice and ability to connect with readers. Judges were unanimous in their praise for the skill and care behind her writing, but equally impressed by how engaging and accessible her poetry was. These are qualities that will make her a wonderful ambassador for poetry across the Isle of Wight.
Over the next two years, Sarah will help capture the spirit of Island life through poetry, observing and celebrating our rich culture, our communities and the everyday moments that will become tomorrow's heritage.
There is plenty to look forward to, with an exciting programme of community projects, creative collaborations and opportunities for Islanders of all ages to engage with poetry. Sarah's work will also be shared regularly in the Isle of Wight County Press and Style of Wight magazine, bringing poetry into homes across the Island.
We are thrilled to welcome Sarah into this role and look forward to seeing how her words will document, inspire and celebrate Island life over the next two years.
Keep an eye on this page for updates, new poems and opportunities to get involved.