Tottenham Young Poet Laureate competition launched

The race to find the lyrical voice of Tottenham's young people is on after Haringey Council launched its first ever Young Poet Laureate competition.

For those who’ve fancied trying their hand at a Shakespearian sonnet, an Odyssean ode or even a hilarious haiku, this is the chance to hold the title of Tottenham’s top poet for a year.

The winner will take home £150 from the Newlon Housing Trust and a host of other prizes, as well as playing a key role in the heart of Tottenham’s cultural life - performing on stage at the Christmas lights switch-on, appearing in the media and taking part in a stadium tour at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.

Haringey Council will commission the Young Poet Laureate to write pieces marking special occasions during the year - with the winning entry forming the first poem, on the theme: 'What does Tottenham mean to you?'

Award-winning poet Anthony Anaxagorou will be on hand to offer free expert advice on what it takes to write a winning entry at Marcus Garvey Library on October 15 and 16.

Anthony will join Tottenham Hotspur club ambassador Ledley King on the judging panel to decide the winning entry next month.

Haringey Council will work over the winter to create a £1.5m public space on Tottenham Green, designed by residents and businesses, which can host performances and events and become the cultural heart of the community.

A new state-of-the-art music rehearsal space focussed on developing talented young singers will also soon be on its way to Tottenham after the council joined forces with leading record label Beggar’s Group and UK Music.

If you are 16-24-years-old and want to apply to become the first Tottenham Young Poet Laureate, or for more information, see the Tottenham Poet page, or drop in to Marcus Garvey Library.

Source: Haringey Council Website