Deadline looms in city's hunt for new poet laureate

The hunt is on for a city's best poet – but writers only have until midnight to put themselves forward for the "once-in-a-life-time opportunity".

Syntax Poetry Collective, a committee of Peterborough poets, is looking for the next poet laureate – the "most unique role" the city has to offer.

The honorary position celebrates the area's professional poets and cultural sector, with the successful wordsmith acting as an ambassador for the arts community.

The theme for this year's submissions is "necessity is the mother of invention" and the final will take place next month at an unconfirmed venue.

A spokesperson for the competition said having the title of Peterborough Poet Laureate is "recognition of your talent and gives a unique role in the community".

"We are looking for someone who is willing to get involved in continuing to cultivate a brilliant poetry community," they added.

"Previous laureates have set up new nights, secured funding for the arts, worked in schools, performed at non-poetry events, and supported the growth of new poets."

Entrants who are shortlisted for the final will be required to read their poem aloud before a panel of judges - led by current laureate Lauren Kendrick - choose the winner.

"You don't need to have had any training of qualifications, and you don't need track record or to have gotten involved in any poetry stuff before," said the spokesperson.

"You could have picked up a pen over lockdown, or been writing secretly your whole life. There is no one-size-fits-all route into poetry. It's often poetry that finds us."

The deadline for applications is midnight on Monday 30 December.

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