Poet Laureates to be appointed for Harborough district

At Cabinet on Monday 28 July 2025 Harborough District Council agreed the creation of these honorary roles which will celebrate local culture, encourage engagement with poetry and provide a voice for the community through verse.

The titles will be decided through bi-annual competitions which will be administered and awarded by Wingates Gallery in association with Creative Harborough.

Each position will include writing poems to commemorate significant moments and giving performances of their work.

The council has supported the development of a Cultural Quarter in Market Harborough and is committed to improving and enhancing culture across the district for the benefit of residents.

Cllr Jo Asher, Cabinet lead for Culture, Leisure, Economy and Tourism, said: “We are delighted to support the creation of a Poet Laureate and a Junior Poet Laureate following a request from Wingates Gallery on behalf of Harborough Creatives.

“This is a brilliant opportunity for two people to gain a platform to showcase their creative flair and represent our district through poetry throughout their time in the role."

Andrew Cartwright, owner of Wingates Gallery said: “It means a great deal to have the council involved with this poetry and short story competition and to create the roles of Poet Laureate and Junior Poet Laureate for the winners. This will undoubtedly encourage many Harborough district residents of all ages to put pen to paper.

“By providing formal posts for two years like these, it brings Harborough district in line with other major towns running similar projects and establishes our area as one which supports arts and culture in all of their aspects."

To read further details about how the competitions will work, visit: https://cmis.harborough.gov.uk/cmis5/Meetings.aspx and click on the link for 28 July 2025, Cabinet.