Young poets from across the East of England took centre stage to officially open the 20th anniversary edition of the Latitude Festival in Suffolk. The event showcased the talent of primary school-aged children, following a competition organised by the BBC and Latitude for seven to 11-year-olds residing or attending school in counties including Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, and Suffolk.
From a strong field of entries, judges selected six finalists, each representing a different BBC local radio area. The overall winner, ten-year-old Esme from Essex, deeply impressed the panel with her moving poem about a piano passed down through generations. Expressing her joy, Esme shared that she was 'over the moon' and still found her win hard to believe.
This year's competition theme, 'generations', inspired diverse and creative interpretations from the young finalists. Latitude founder and managing director, Melvin Benn, introduced the poets at Henham Park near Southwold, Suffolk, emphasising poetry's integral role in the festival's two-decade history. He praised the young performers' confidence and creativity, stating he was 'blown away' by their articulacy and the potential they represent for the future.
Among the other talented finalists who performed were Connie from Suffolk, Austin from Northamptonshire, Lizzy from Norfolk, and Alexia, representing BBC Three Counties Radio. Sofia from Cambridgeshire, unable to attend, had her poem read aloud by professional poet and competition judge, Luke Wright. Wright commented on poetry's enduring significance at Latitude and the pleasure of fostering a new generation of poets, noting the high quality of entries this year.
Kirsty Taylor, Latitude's arts curator, also lauded the 'brilliant entries' and the six young poets who 'represent the breadth of poetry' with their use of rhyme, rhythm, and profound feeling. The initiative underscores the festival's dedication to the arts beyond music, providing a significant platform for emerging literary talent and celebrating the creative spirit of young people across the region.