Trinity, who studies Art and Design, English Literature and Film Studies, was officially appointed to the role at a poetry event organised by Staffordshire County Council’s libraries service where she performed two of her poems ‘Pretty Things’ and ‘Aurora’  in front dignitaries from the County Council and Staffordshire’s past and present Poet Laureate’s from the last ten years.

“It was absolutely lovely to find out I’d been announced as the new Young Poet Laureate,” says Trinity.

“I had applied last year too after being encouraged by my English teacher at school and made it to the shortlist.

“Meeting Mina, last year’s Young Poet Laureate, has been incredible though and we’re good friends now. She handed over the tenure to me at the event on National Poetry Day during a celebration which was also held to commemorate ten years of Staffordshire having a recognised Poet Laureate.”

“I’m incredibly honoured to have been given this opportunity,” continued Trinity, “it’s going to be a very exciting 12 months and I’m very keen to get started.

“As young poet laureate, I really want to help promote poetry in the community and show young people that poetry is a wonderful art form that everyone can enjoy.”

Some of Trinity’s main tasks will be to write poems to commemorate specific events within Staffordshire, such as World Book Day, Staffordshire Day, Teen Fiction Awards & Summer Reading Challenge and she will work to foster a love of poetry amongst young people across Staffordshire.

Trinity has also been tasked with writing a poem to commemorate the fallen for the NSCG’s Armistice Day service in November and will take part in a number of event across the College’s calendar.

The young poet will also benefit from mentorship from the current Staffordshire Poet Laureate, Stafford-based Visual Artist and Poet, Dawn Jutton who is currently one year into her two-year tenure.

Dawn said: “Trinity has already proven herself to be a young poet dedicated to her craft and determined to share her joy of creative expression with others.

“I will be supporting her by providing appropriate advice and guidance in whatever form she needs, whether that is honing her writing skills, inviting her to read at events or supporting with workshops and community events.”

Trinity will now hold the position for 12-months, until National Poetry Day 2024, helping to raise the profile of poetry within Staffordshire during her post.

The role of Young Poet Laureate is open to young people aged 14-18 years who live, or go to school, or college in Staffordshire. To find out more, follow Trinity’s journey on TikTok and Instagram @S.AXXE