Jay Rose Ana was named Worcestershire’s sixteenth Poet Laureate throughout the launch of the Worcestershire Literary Competition on June 7. The occasion occurred on the Huntingdon Corridor Lobby Bar and marked the beginning of a week-long celebration of the written and spoken phrase. Talking after her win, Ms Ana stated: "I'm over the moon to …
Jay Rose Ana was named Worcestershire’s sixteenth Poet Laureate throughout the launch of the Worcestershire Literary Competition on June 7.
The occasion occurred on the Huntingdon Corridor Lobby Bar and marked the beginning of a week-long celebration of the written and spoken phrase.
Talking after her win, Ms Ana stated: “I’m over the moon to be elected Worcestershire Poet Laureate for 2026-2027.
“For me, poetry has been transformative in my life, it has launched me to fantastic individuals over time, and along with my work with Samaritans has taught me the worth of listening to 1 one other’s tales.
“I’m wanting ahead to connecting with communities throughout our county, celebrating the voices that make Worcestershire such a particular place, and sharing poetry that helps us really feel seen, heard, and rather less alone.”
This yr’s competition featured 10 occasions over seven days, together with three double occasion days, and attracted greater than 330 attendees—surpassing final yr’s numbers.
Ms Ana gained the title following a stay poetry competitors judged by former Poet Laureate Paul Robert, literary competition director Nina Lewis, and award-winning quick story author Brian Comber.
She competed alongside finalists Rebecca King and Lucia Sellars, with every poet performing two items—one on the theme of “Surprise” and one among their very own selecting—in addition to sharing their imaginative and prescient for the laureateship.
A LitFest spokesperson stated: “The finalists have been all glorious and so supportive of one another.”
Different highlights included the finals of the Younger Writers and Flash Fiction competitions, with trophies, certificates, and e book tokens offered by the Mayor of Worcester, Tor Pingree.
Within the junior class (Years 3–6), Linus Oxtoby claimed first place, adopted by Asa Landau in second.
The intermediate class (Years 7–9) was gained by Dorian Oxtoby.
Within the senior class (Years 10–12), Iona Campbell took first, Harry Edwards was second, Jamie Phillips positioned third, and Myla Jones was extremely counseled.
The Flash Fiction competitors, judged anonymously by Rod Griffiths and final yr’s winner Cheryl Powell, named Ruthie Walker because the winner, with DK in second and Jamie D Stacey in third.
Competition-related exhibitions are presently open to the general public, together with the Surprise Exhibition within the Dean’s Chapel at Worcester Cathedral till Friday, June 19.
The Hive can be internet hosting the touring exhibition Our Future is Ancestral: Praying with Our Ft till Tuesday, June 23.
