Richard O’Brien has been named as the new Birmingham Poet Laureate during a National Poetry Day event held at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire at Birmingham City University.
Richard, a lecturer in Shakespeare and Creativity at the University of Birmingham, becomes Poet Laureate for 2018-20, succeeding poet Matt Windle.
Aliyah Begum, 15, from Acocks Green was also announced as the 14th Young Poet Laureate. Aliyah, a Year 11 pupil at King Edward VI High School, succeeds Nyanda Foday, will hold this title for two years.
As the city’s 21st Poet Laureate, Richard will act as a poetry ambassador and help raise the profile of poetry across Birmingham. He will be asked to write poetry for special occasions, lead poetry workshops, inspiring others to try their own hand at reading and writing poetry and will mentor the newly-appointed Young Poet Laureate.
You can order a copy of Richard O'Brien's latest pamphlet A Bloody Mess from the PBS via the title link.