Meet our new Young Poet Laureate

Georgina Wilding has been named as Nottingham’s first Young Poet Laureate, a title she’ll keep for two years.

Nottingham born and bred, Georgina is already established on the poetry scene, beginning her poetry career working with the Mouthy Poets. She has a degree in Creative and Professional Writing from the University of Nottingham and is the founding editor of Notts-based poetry publishing house, Mud Press.

On her new title, she said: “I am in absolute awe of the opportunity that’s been given to me. Both Nottingham and poetry are home to me, and I cannot wait to officially marry the two together for this prestigious role.”

The judging panel for the Nottingham YPL, which included London’s Young Poet Laureate and the founder of the Nottingham Poetry Festival, and the Director of Nottingham City of Literature, have said: “Georgina Wilding’s poetry, performance presence and ambitions to use the power of poetry to change lives made an immediate impression on the judges. She will play a fantastic role in promoting poetry to young people, and young people will love and be inspired by her.”

Georgina will be leading five residencies in venues across the city, including City Arts, Lakeside Arts Centre and Hyson Green Library. She will also be working internationally through the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

Her first outing as the new YPL will be a workshop at Hockley Hustle. NottsLit wishes her all the best, and looks forward to seeing what she will achieve in the role.