Isle Of Wight Names Its First Poet Laureate

The Isle of Wight has appointed its first Poet Laureate, with writer and illustrator Sarah Nicole taking on the role for the next two years.

Sarah was announced as the Island’s inaugural Poet Laureate at a ceremony at Quay Arts in Newport on Thursday (October 15).

She was selected from a shortlist of five poets, with the appointment marking a new initiative to celebrate Island writing and make poetry more accessible to local communities.

Sarah is a multidisciplinary creative whose work explores the experiences and complexities of Island life.

She began her career at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation before becoming a freelance creative in 2020.

In November 2025, she independently published Diamond: The Pleasures and Perils of Living on an Island, a poetry collection exploring the character of the Isle of Wight and the contradictions of Island living.

Her work spans poetry, illustration, design and spoken-word performance.

Speaking about her appointment, Sarah Nicole said:

“I am over the moon and absolutely thrilled (plus still in shock!) to have been given this opportunity.

“Sharing the joy of poetry with the island community is something I will relish and cherish over the next two years, as well as being able to write poems that both celebrate and capture the unique beauty of this place I call home.”

As Poet Laureate, Sarah will act as an ambassador for Island poetry, creating original work and taking part in cultural events and community activities.

Plans are also being developed for a schools programme in 2027, which aims to deliver creative writing workshops in five Island schools.

The sessions will encourage children to find inspiration in their surroundings and develop their own writing skills. Young participants could also contribute to a published anthology.

The initiative was established by Lottie Begg of Lemon Jelly Press CIC, with support from organisations across the Island’s arts, media and community sectors.

The Poet Laureate role will run on a two-year cycle, with future appointments intended to build on the programme’s links with schools, community groups and cultural events.