The Staffordshire Poet Laureate runs poetry events and encourages more people in Staffordshire to enjoy poetry and creative writing. The Laureate also acts as an ambassador for Staffordshire, promoting attractions, events and items that are specifically recognised as being associated with Staffordshire.
The Staffordshire Poet Laureate programme has been running in the county since 2013 with the first Poet Laureate for Staffordshire, Mal Dewhirst.
Meet your new Poet Laureate
Cherry Doyle, the new Staffordshire Poet Laureate, had a few words to say about her new role and what poetry means to her.
Watch Cherry's video:
More about Staffordshire's Poets Laureate
Staffordshire Poet Laureate 2026-2028
Since moving to Staffordshire 12 years ago, Cherry Doyle has developed a deep connection with the county's landscapes, which have become a rich source of inspiration for her poetry. Themes of landscape and place feature strongly in her pamphlet September (2019) and her collection The Taste of Rain: A Year on Cannock Chase (2023), published by Offa's Press.
Cherry said:
“I am beyond grateful to Staffordshire Libraries for trusting me with the role of Staffordshire Poet Laureate, and I'm excited to further develop the profile of poetry in our wonderful county, continuing the legacy of the previous Laureates.
Since settling in Staffordshire, I've used poetry to connect to the heritage and history of my adopted home, which has deepened my appreciation for our rich culture and beautiful landscapes.
I'm looking forward to meeting poets and poetry fans across Staffordshire and working with Lola to showcase and celebrate our wonderful home and the talented people we have here.”
As Staffordshire Poet Laureate, Cherry will spend the next two years championing poetry across the county, inspiring new audiences, supporting the Young Poet Laureate, and celebrating Staffordshire's people, places and stories through the written and spoken word.
People can find out more about Cherry through her website Facebook: Cherry Doyle Poetry, or Instagram @cherrydoylepoet
Staffordshire Young Poet Laureate 2026-27
The current Staffordshire Young Poet Laureate is Lola Taylor.
Lola, who is currently in Year 12 at high school is now the 11th Staffordshire Young Poet Laureate. Lola is keen to take poetry into schools and communities across Staffordshire and encourage young people to experiment with their own voices, experiences and styles.
Lola said:
“Being appointed Staffordshire’s Young Poet Laureate means a great deal to me, as poetry has always been a way for me to express myself and connect with others.
I was inspired by slam poetry, both at school and through seeing it performed in the media, and I loved how powerful and relatable it could be. I particularly enjoy writing poems with a personal message, with the hope that people can see something of themselves in the words and feel less alone.
Over the next 12 months, I want to share my passion for poetry with others, encourage more people to have the confidence to write and perform, and show how poetry can give people a voice. I hope poetry can have the same positive impact on others that it has had on me.”
Both Poets Laureate will play an important role in promoting poetry, encouraging creativity and celebrating Staffordshire's rich culture, heritage and communities.
Follow Lola’s poetry on her Instagram page at @lifethroughpoetry.lt
Former Poets Laureate
Staffordshire Poet Laureate
2024-26 Scarlett Ward
2022-24 Dawn Jutton
2019-21 Mel Woodend
2017-19 Emily Rose Galvin
2015-17 Bert Flitcroft
2014-15 Gary Longden
2013-14 Mal Dewhirst, first Staffordshire Poet Laureate
Staffordshire Young Poet Laureate
2025-26 Pearl Knight-Dutton
2024-25 Harry Fletcher
2023-24 Trinity Davis
2022-23 Mina Tideswell
2021-22 Erin Gascoigne-Jones
2019-20 Ollie Hulme
2018-19 Lily Massey
2017-18 Rebecca Lockwood
2016-17 Isobel Horsley
2015-16 Matilda Houston-Brown
Staffordshire Poetry Collection
In 2016, Poet Laureate Bert Flitcroft helped develop a Staffordshire Poetry Collection with the aim to create a picture of the county in words, to capture its diversity and in so doing help to create a cultural identity and awareness for the county as a whole.
The collection can be borrowed from Staffordshire Libraries or purchased online: