Bournemouth chooses first poet laureate to inspire people to read and write

James Manlow has been chosen to act as an ambassador of poetry and inspire people in all corners of Bournemouth to enjoy reading and writing.

James has lived in Bournemouth for 10 years and was plucked from scores of hopefuls in the campaign to find the town’s first ever poet laureate. His poetry has appeared in journals, newspapers and magazines, including The Independent, Poetry Review, Staple, The Rialto and The Interpreter’s House.

The laureate will now be commissioned to write and present poetry, lead poetry workshops, take part in civic events and festivals and be an ambassador for poetry.

He was selected at an event on December 11 by a panel of judges including poet Helen Ivory, poet Gill Horitz and deputy mayor Philip Stanley Watts.