Five Poets Shortlisted To Become Isle Of Wight's First Poet Laureate

Five writers have been shortlisted in the search for the first Isle of Wight Poet Laureate, with the successful candidate set to become an ambassador for poetry across the Island.

The shortlist brings together poets whose work reflects the Isle of Wight's landscapes, communities, history and identity.

Over the coming months, each will take part in the next stage of the selection process before the inaugural Poet Laureate is announced.

Here's a peek at the quintet who made the final shortlist (in alphabetical order of Christian name!):

Isle of Wight-born poet, storyteller and educator whose work is inspired by the rhythms of the land and sea.

After first turning to poetry while teaching in Abu Dhabi, his writing has gone on to feature in exhibitions at Dimbola and Ventnor Botanic Garden.

He has performed and led workshops at events including the Isle of Wight Story Festival, Biosphere Festival and The Big Retreat, previously taught A Level Creative Writing at Christ the King College, and has had work published by the Dark Mountain Project and the Inner Development Goals anthology.

Novelist and poet whose work often explores nature, accessibility and neurodivergence.

A regular contributor to the Isle of Wight Story Festival, Kathryn has also worked with local schools and was recently commissioned by the Isle of Wight National Landscape to produce a creative poetry project inspired by Bouldnor Forest.

Recent publications include Roar/Raw, Little Tales: Poems for Kids and A Year of Wild Verse.

Isle of Wight-born poet, writer, musician and performer whose creative career has taken her across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, although she has always maintained strong ties to the Island.

A classically trained cellist, she has been writing and performing poetry for many years and won BBC Radio 4's Journey of a Lifetime Award in 2016 for a documentary tracing a journey from the Isle of Wight to India, while her work has also featured on Radio 4's Midweek and she has written for the Evening Standard and a range of magazines.

Alongside composing and performing music for access concerts at the National Gallery and writing with local band Blue Slipper, Nina continues to draw inspiration from the Island's history, beachcombing, family life and even stand-up comedy.

Writer, poet, illustrator and designer based on the Isle of Wight. After graduating in French and Communications, Sarah began her career at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation before moving into freelance creative work.

Alongside publishing poetry under the name enlightened housewife and prose through her blog 'basic-ly', she self-published Diamond: The Pleasures and Perils of Living on an Island in 2025, a popular collection which was printed in Freshwater.

Spoken word has become an increasingly important part of her creative practice in recent years, with regular performances at local events and open mic nights, as well as leading poetry workshops that bring together her interests in writing, creativity and Island life.

Tim found himself writing in a variety of forms over the years before becoming involved in spoken word in 2013 under the name 'King Stammers'.

He later founded the Reading Between the Lines spoken word night, which hosted events and saw members perform at a number of festivals.

Tim continues to write and perform while helping to develop projects such as the collaborative endeavour VEX, remaining active within the local poetry community.

The five shortlisted poets will now progress to the next stage of the competition before the Isle of Wight's first Poet Laureate is unveiled later this year.