National Poetry Centre

26/07/2026

Did you catch our amazing Young Laureates gracing festival stages Latitude Festival WOMAD Festival Deer Shed Festival this weekend? We are so proud of the astonishing performances these young poets, aged 8 - 14 delivered, and the brilliant poetry created in the workshops they supported. Thanks to everyone who came to see these shooting stars of the poetry world! 💫

22/07/2026

11/06/2026

It was an absolute joy to be part of this fantastic event! We were overwhelmed by the wealth of talent on display - a huge well done to all the amazing young poets who took part, the staff that supported them and Testament Homecut for top poet tips!

Abbey Trust Inaugural Poetry Slam.
Fabulous performances and our students loved their coaching session with Writer/ Rapper/ Poet TESTAMENT.

05/06/2026

14/02/2026

What a fabulous day we had getting creative at Likkle Lit fest with Out of Many People! Our resident poets Beverley Ward and Natalie Anastasia Davies spent the day in the Art Library on the 1st Floor of Leeds Central Library, helping visitors of all ages to stick, type, draw and write beautiful collage poems.

14/02/2026

🎭 LAST CALL – Performers Wanted!

Do you have an interest in performing at the Child Friendly Leeds Awards but not yet sent your demo?

This is your final reminder!

We’re looking for engaging, youth-led performances (approx. 3–7 minutes, flexible depending on the act) to be part of this special event — with winners decided by the young persons planning group.

To be considered, please send:

• A demo or showreel
• A link to your performance style
• Or a downloadable video - whatever media type works for you!

📅 Deadline: 23 February

Send your materials to [email protected].

We can’t wait to see your talent!

11/02/2026

✨THE NATIONAL POETRY CENTRE at LIKKLE LIT✨

National Poetry Centre invites you to unleash your creativity at our Likkle Lit Fest pop-up poetry event with a difference! ✍🏾✨

A fun, family-friendly, drop in event, Rubbish Words invites you to find poetry and meaning from the things we leave behind. ♻️📰

Using cut out words from fliers, magazines and posters, we will help you create beautiful word collages to express yourself and get in touch with your inner poet. ✂️🖍️

Open to all, with all ages and abilities welcome. 💛

Helpers, poets and wordsmiths will be on hand to help with your creations, or you can just grab a glue stick and get creating. 🧑🏾‍🎨📖

Open from 10:00am to 3:30pm drop in anytime and get creative! You’ll find Rubbish Words in the Create & Make Zone on the first floor Art Library. 🏛️✨

🆓 FREE & NO NEED TO BOOK

Click the 🔗 in our bio for more on the full Likkle Lit Fest FREE NO-NEED-TO-BOOK programme

✨ LIKKLE LIT FEST ✨

🗓 Saturday 14th February (what’s not to love?) ❣️

⏰ 10:30am – 4:00pm (Doors open 10:00am)

📍 Leeds Central Library LS1 3AB

A partnership with Leeds Libraries launching Leeds Story Festival