We are delighted to invite you to help choose the next Isle of Wight Poet Laureate.

Click on the poets’ names below to discover the poems they have created especially for their Poet Laureate submissions. Each one offers a fresh and inspiring perspective on a place here on the Isle of Wight.

Once you have read the poems, simply click the Vote button beneath your favourite. This will take you to a short voting form where you can make your choice.

Voting closes on 15 September 2026, and the public vote will help the judging committee make its final decision. The new Isle of Wight Poet Laureate will be announced at a special awards ceremony on 15 October 2026 at Quay Arts in Newport.

Would you like to join us for the big announcement? You can request a free ticket to the awards ceremony when completing the voting form.