A WELL-VERSED student from Rugby has been named Warwickshire’s new Young Poet Laureate.
Rugby High School student Ananditha Venkatramanan takes on the prestigious title in the tenth year of the popular competition.
Ananditha and her three fellow finalists – Zoe Button from Myton School, Thalia Arif from Stratford Girls’ Grammar School, and Imogen Simms from Shipston High School – took part in a workshop with professional poet and Coventry Poet Laureate 2021-23, Emilie Lauren Jones, who shared creative tips and advice about how to successfully deliver poetry performances.
This was followed by interviews, before the candidates delivered their poems in front of a live audience at Rugby Library.
Coun Yousef Dahmash, Warwickshire County Council’s spokesperson for Customer and Transformation, said: “It’s fantastic to see our Young Poet Laureate scheme enter its tenth successful year and it continues to showcase the talents of young poets from across the county.
“Aligned with our commitments to a Child Friendly Warwickshire, this initiative encourages the voices of young people to be heard in a creative way and offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the world of poetry through reading, writing, and performance.
“Huge thanks to the Warwickshire Libraries team for co-ordinating this year’s scheme and their ongoing support, and we look forward to hearing more from Ananditha during her tenure as Warwickshire’s Young Poet Laureate.”
Ananditha takes over the role from 2023-24 Young Poet Laureate May Vaughan.
Warwickshire’s Young Poet Laureateship is open to young people aged 13-17 who live or are educated in Warwickshire.
It provides a unique opportunity for the successful candidate to develop their writing skills and take part in events and activities across the county under the mentorship of a professional poet.
Past Warwickshire Young Poet Laureates have performed on the radio, on film, at festivals and led their own poetry workshops.
Entries for Warwickshire’s Young Poet Laureate 2025-26 will open in June 2025 at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/youngpoetlaureate. Email [email protected] for more information about the Young Poet Laureate scheme.
