Evie Hodgett's - Young Poet Laureate 2025

Young Poet Laureate Final - 27 April, 2025

This was the day of the Young Poet Laureate final. I was such a bundle of nerves, and I had no expectations at all! I really enjoyed the chance to chat with lots of other local young poets and get to know people, and despite how scary it was, the performance was fun. When I won, I was so surprised! Everyone who performed was excellent, and I am very grateful and proud to have been chosen to represent Worcestershire in this way. 

Summer Reading Challenge Poem - 6 June, 2025 

As the first task of my laureateship, I was asked to write a poem on the theme “Story Garden” to promote the Summer Reading Challenge. This was something I participated in every year as a child, so it was really lovely to be involved with the scheme again. I enjoyed incorporating characters from children’s literature and lots of mythical creatures in this poem. 

Watch Evie read 'Story Garden' here

Performance at The Hive - 5 July, 2025 

I was asked to come along to the launch event for the Summer Reading Challenge at The Hive to perform my poem and talk to some of the children about the challenge. I read some books to some very adorable babies, and answered some people’s questions about the scheme. It was very nice to see so many children so eager to sign up! 

“Dear Listener” Open Mic - 19 June, 2025 

At the lovely cafe-bookshop Script Haven in Worcester high street, I performed in an Open Mic slot at a monthly event, “Dear Listener”. Not only was it an amazing opportunity to perform my poetry to a very welcoming and kind audience, but it was also really great to hear a lot of other poets perform too. Worcester has a very thriving arts scene, and it is so lovely to be involved in it. 

“Dear Listener” Headliner - 18 September, 2025 

Charley Barnes, who runs “Dear Listener” along with Leena Batchelor, invited me to headline the “Dear Listener” event for September. I was so terrified, but so excited too! The audience was a lot bigger than I expected, which added to my nerves. When I got into the swing of the performance, my nerves faded into just excitement, and I had an amazing time. 

National Poetry Day 'Play' Poem - 26 September, 2025 

For part of the National Poetry Day celebrations, I was asked to write a poem on the theme for this year, “Play”. It was a bit challenging to write under a theme I don’t usually write about, but the challenge of it pushed me to improve my writing, and I was very pleased with the end result of the poem. I filmed a video of myself recording it, which was sent to local schools for them to watch as part of their National Poetry Day celebrations. 

Watch Evie read 'Word Play' here

National Poetry Day Event - 2 October, 2025

On National Poetry Day itself, Leena Batchelor invited me back to Script Haven to perform as part of her event with past and present Poet Laureates of Worcestershire. It was a lovely evening where so many local poets came together to celebrate something we all love. 

Mentoring Session with Scarlett Ward - 13 October, 2025

I am very fortunate that the Young Poet Laureate scheme offers the opportunity to be mentored by more experienced poets. On this day, I had my introductory session with Staffordshire Poet Laureate Scarlett Ward, and I am very excited for the rest of the sessions I will have with her. I think it will be an excellent opportunity to allow my writing to be refined and developed. 

Writing Witchcraft Event - 29 October, 2025

I was invited by Dr Ruth Stacey on behalf of the University of Worcester to perform some Halloween poems at her “Writing Witchcraft” event. Writing about myth and witches in preparation for the event was super interesting, and I learned a lot. The event itself was really amazing, and I heard some other excellent poets read. 

BBC H&W Radio Show - 13 November, 2025 

Jen Loffman and I were invited to go on Upload, a BBC Hereford & Worcester radio show about the arts. We were interviewed by Nina Das Gupta about the Young Poet Laureate scheme, launching next year’s competition and talking about poetry. I was asked some super interesting questions about writing and what influences me, and then I performed one of my poems. It was super scary, and like nothing I had ever done before, but it was a very valuable experience! 

Children’s Mental Health Week Poem - 8 December, 2025

For children’s mental health week, I was asked to work on a poem on the theme “This Is My Place”, wherein I selected a location in Worcestershire that I felt connected to and explored it in a poem. I puzzled long and hard on where to select, as there are so many places in our lovely county that make me feel peaceful. In the end, I went with the Malvern Hills, a truly beautiful place. 

Watch Evie read 'Lines Written for the Hills' here