South West literature development agency Literature Works, in partnership with Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Culture and the With Flying Colours project, has launched a search to find aspiring writers in the city aged between 14 and 19 to apply for the Plymouth Young City Laureate post.

You would be the writers’ voice of the city’s young, receiving paid writing commissions and the opportunity to take part in events with other writers or performers. Previous Plymouth Young City Laureates have found this a rewarding and valuable experience, providing an opportunity to celebrate special events and occasions in the city and receive invitations to perform in libraries, schools and at festivals.

The closing date is midnight on Sunday 27th November 2022.

“Although I could never have imagined what the world would be like during my time as Plymouth’s Mayflower 400 Young City Laureate, it has been the most valuable experience for me as a writer,” says Holly Peters, the current holder of the Mayflower 400 Plymouth Young City Laureate title. “The role has allowed me to learn about many important cultures and fascinating people as well as develop my craft as a poet and my confidence as a person. Plymouth is a vibrant city with a lively art sector, which I’m honoured to have been a part of it and I am extremely grateful to Literature Works and Plymouth City Council for granting me this opportunity.”

In 2023, for the first time, the Young City Laureateship offers paid writing commissions – three in the year – each worth £50. We will invite you to perform at least two events across the year, sharing the stage with guest writers that we will help you select.

Applications are invited from individuals and via schools or colleges.

Find full details of how to enter here.

Got an event, challenge, competition or call for submissions you’d like to draw attention to? Send an email to judydarley (at) iCloud (dot) com.