Posted on Tuesday 14th October 2025
New Young Poet Laureate Pearl Knight-Dutton hopes to use the role as a way "to open people's eyes to the limitless possibilities of what poetry can be."
A new Young Poet Laureate for Staffordshire has been appointed.
Pearl Knight-Dutton from East Staffordshire was inaugurated on National Poetry Day on 2 October at a special poetry evening held at Stafford Library. The event was hosted by Staffordshire Poet Laureate Scarlett Ward and outgoing Young Poet Laureate Harry Fletcher, featuring performances from young poets alongside more established writers.
Pearl will now be mentored and supported by Scarlett Ward. Her role will involve creating, promoting and performing poetry, while developing new ideas to raise the profile of poetry among children and young people across Staffordshire.
Talking about her appointment, the high school student said:
“I'm very proud to have been selected as Staffordshire’s Young Poet Laureate, as poetry has always been a big part of my life.
“To be given the opportunity to share such an amazing and diverse medium and to open people's eyes to the limitless possibilities of what poetry can be and do is an honour and a privilege.
“I hope to show young people that poetry isn't outdated or irrelevant to their lives. It is incredibly accessible and a fantastic tool to express oneself and bring joy. It really does have something for everyone.”
Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“We’re all delighted to welcome Pearl to this prestigious laureateship.
“Our Young Poet Laureates and libraries have really helped promote a love of poetry and creative writing. Over the years, they’ve also helped raise aspirations amongst other budding young writers and poets across the county.
“Last year, Harry did a wonderful job of sharing his passion for poetry and I would like to thank him for all his hard work. I’m now looking forward to seeing what Pearl has planned for the year ahead.”
During the event, Harry Fletcher also reflected on his achievements during his year as laureate and shared his experience of the role, offering useful tips and advice to Pearl and other budding young poets in the audience. He described the role as “highly rewarding and a huge privilege.”
Find out more about the Poets Laureate on its webpage.