Portsmouth announces Jackson Davies as the city's new Poet Laureate
Jackson Davies will be Portsmouth’s Poet Laureate until 2028
A punk poet who has been performing spoken word poems for the last ten years across the city has been named as Portsmouth’s new poet laureate by the city council.
Jackson Davies will be in the role until 2028, and as Poet Laureate will mark the city’s centenary in verse and capturing Portsmouth’s character and community through a style of poetry he describes as “somewhere between hardcore punk, UK hip hop and Celtic folk music”.
David Percival, libraries and archive service manager, who led the selection process, said: "We received many excellent applications for the role, but what we liked about Jackson is his ability to form connections with all kinds of people and his direct, funny, and relatable style."
"I'm incredibly psyched and proud to be chosen as Portsmouth Poet Laureate,” said Mr Davies.
“Portsmouth is full of brilliant stories, humour and creativity, and with Portsmouth100 celebrations in full swing and the City of Culture bid ahead, I want to help make poetry something that belongs to everyone, not just those who think it's for them already.”
During his tenure, Mr Davies will be asked to write poems to celebrate special events or occasions in the city, as well as perform at events in libraries, schools, festivals, and other community events.
He will also deliver poetry workshops and sit on the judging panel to choose the Young Portsmouth Poet Laureate.
Cllr Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: "Art is a great unifier and I am looking forward to seeing the way the new poet laureate will work with Portsmouth residents to embed a love of words and poetry in everyone, no matter their age or background.”