A Portsmouth teenager whose writing has been praised for its relevance, fluency and authenticity has been named the city’s Young Poet Laureate.
Fifteen-year-old Moyin Adeyeni, a pupil at Ark Charter Academy, will hold the title for 2026-27.
Moyin was announced as part of a launch event to mark National Poetry Day on Thursday 1 October. Portsmouth City Council commissioned Portsmouth Poetry, working with the council’s Libraries and Archives Service, to organise the competition. It was open to young people aged 11 to 17 living across Portsmouth and attracted 14 entries. Four young writers were shortlisted before Moyin was selected as the winner.
The judging panel praised all the entries for their quality and Moyin’s poems for their relevance, fluency and authenticity. She said she was “speechless” when she heard the news and is excited and proud to take on the title.
Moyin will serve from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027 and will receive £100 in book tokens. During the year, she will take part in civic events, meet other young poets in the city and encourage more young people to write poetry.
Cllr Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:
Congratulations to Moyin, who will lead the way to show people the power of creativity at every age. I'm looking forward to seeing what our two poet laureates will achieve in the next year.
Local poet Majid Dhana, from the 432 Nomads collective, will mentor Moyin during her year in the role, helping her develop her writing and performance and supporting her participation in events and opportunities across the city.
The judging panel included Portsmouth Poet Laureate Jackson Davies, Caroline Brennan of Pompey Poetry Party, Majid Dhana of 432 Nomads, and a young poet from the Power of the Beat project, alongside representatives from Portsmouth Poetry and the Libraries and Archives Service.
Poems by all 14 entrants will be included in 100 Poems for Portsmouth, a collection by young poets celebrating the city’s centenary, due to be released later this year.
