Five poets are in the running to become the first Isle of Wight Poet Laureate, and the public vote has opened.
The Isle of Wight Poet Laureate Committee has shortlisted Kathryn Rossati, Nina Plapp, Harrison Wavell, Sarah Nicole and Tim Martin. Find out more about each poet on the website.
Each of the five has written a new poem about a place on the Island.
The committee has published all five alongside the ballot on the website. Voting closes on 15th September 2026.
The vote does not decide it
But the count will not appoint anyone on its own.
The committee says the results will help it reach a final decision, which leaves the choice with the committee rather than the voters.
The announcement does not say what weight the public vote carries, or whether a clear winner would be adopted.
Two years, and a book at the end
Whoever wins takes on a 24-month term. The committee has left the shape of that term deliberately open, and the laureate will work with it to set their own programme, which may take in new poetry, work with schools and young people, and community events.
Lemon Jelly Press will publish a collection of the laureate’s work at the end of the two years.
What the post is meant to do
The Isle of Wight Poet Laureate Programme sets out to make poetry accessible to readers of all ages and to encourage new writing on the Island.
It also aims to celebrate local voices and build pride in Island heritage.
Beyond that, the committee wants poetry taken into schools, libraries, community spaces and, in its own words, “unexpected places”.
The laureate is also expected to work across the Island’s creative and cultural networks, and with schools and colleges.
A decision before October
The committee will make its choice before the Awards Ceremony on 15th October 2026, 30 days after the poll shuts.
Anyone wanting a say has until 15th September 2026 to vote for their favourite.
