We are thrilled with the response we saw from Poetry Together 2023. Younger and older generations got together in their hundreds in schools, care homes and community organisations across the country to share in the joy of poetry. We’ve received the most amazing feedback on their experiences with one school saying, “Regardless of prizes, this whole experience was magical.” We’ve loved reading the poems (over 400) that were submitted on the theme of ‘happiness’ and were really impressed.

This year’s initiative launched with a bang. First, with a showcase for Her Majesty The Queen, at Fielding Primary School in Ealing on 29th August. The event was an opportunity to welcome our Poetry Together Champions, who have been recruited by Lord Lieutenants across the country to spread the word about the project in their regions. Deputy Lieutenant, Dame Floella Benjamin is one of many Deputy Lieutenants and other people in key roles working with young and old, encouraging the communities to unite through the joy of poetry.

The showcase also welcomed Poetry Together partners, including Age UK, Girl Guiding, London Youth, The Poetry Society, Forward Arts Foundation, the learning team at The British Library and the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education, who too are working together to make this Poetry Together’s biggest and best year yet.

The showcase saw performances from both ends of the generational spectrum, including last year’s winners, Fielding Primary School students with their grandparents and members of Age UK and Girl Guiding. HM The Queen, brought a honey and cream cake to celebrate the event, which was presented on stage by the Mad Hatter and Alice in Wonderland. The day finished with a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

A week later, on 5th September, Poetry Together held a launch party at the British Library. 250 guests from both the independent and state school sector alongside elderly members of the community, joined together to enjoy poetry performances and workshops.

Workshops were held by Joseph Coelho, UK Children’s Laureate, Slam Poetry star Steven Camden, aka Polarbear and Jodie Russi-Red, Poet, storyteller and Co-Creation Manager at the British Library. Her identify workshop explored, ‘what makes you, you’ with a sparkly pom-poms, confetti and balloon-filled finale.

One message of thanks stands out from a parent who attended on the day said:

“Our lads came away from Joseph's workshop knowing that when they are told to just write, write anything, a word, a sentence or more, and importantly that there are no rules, they really do have great ideas. And our eldest son who lives with physical and cognitive disabilities including a brain condition will always remember the message in Joseph's poem - that it is perfectly OK if sometimes you want to say no.

And from Steven's workshop - Well our two sons are so different in many ways but this is the first time we have seen them both equally enthused when it comes to creative writing. Our youngest son was being challenged and because of Steven's unique style, he rose to the challenge. And Steven did something truly amazing for our eldest son. Despite his brain condition, which causes learning difficulties including challenges with writing, in a very short space of time Steven empowered him and left him knowing that he not only has some brilliant ideas but by trusting in Steve and doing what Steve suggested, he produced some powerful sentences to be proud of. Absolutely priceless.”

The launch party also offered interactive activities from Dukes Education, The Poetry Society, The British Library and Rosy Crow Publishers, for the guests to truly immerse themselves in all things poetry and leave feeling inspired.

There is something quite special about people from two ends of the generational spectrum, connecting and having a chat over a cup of tea. It is a wonderful way to bring communities closer together. We can’t wait to do it again.