Elspeth Snelling wants ‘to expand people’s horizons when it comes to poetry’
Elspeth Snelling, the first ever East Riding Young Poet Laureate.(Image: East Riding of Yorkshire Council)
A young Beverley woman has told of her incredible honour and excitement at being appointed as the first ever East Riding Young Poet Laureate. The Young Poet Laureate scheme has been created to help aspiring wordsmiths – aged 18 to 25 – to develop their careers, appointing a talented poet to become an official representative of East Riding Libraries.
And Elspeth Snelling has triumphed following the first ever competitive selection process. She was chosen by East Riding of Yorkshire Council ’s library team for her passionate voice, innovative approach to poetry, as well as her commitment to engaging and inspiring communities through words.
The scheme will provide Elspeth with six months of artistic development, including three months of mentorship with the current East Riding Poet Laureate Cassandra Parkin – whose debut short story collection New World Fairy Tales won the 2011 Scott Prize for short stories. Elspeth will then spend a further three months under the guidance of the incoming 2026 Laureate.
Throughout her tenure, the young writer will receive the support she needs to refine her craft, develop her confidence, and expand her reach as a poet. She will also have the opportunity to design and lead poetry workshops, perform her work at public events, and collaborate with established poets.
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Elspeth, who was 25 when she applied and was appointed, and is now 26, said: “I am incredibly honoured and excited to have the opportunity to share my love of poetry with others across the East Riding. Language is how we make sense of the world around us, how we connect with others, how we understand ourselves.
“As East Riding Young Poet Laureate, I want to expand people’s horizons when it comes to poetry.’’
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, told how Elspeth will play a vital role in shaping the future of poetry across the East Riding, using her voice to connect with and inspire people of all ages.
Cllr Coultish added: “We are incredibly proud to appoint Elspeth as the first East Riding Young Poet Laureate. Nurturing creative talent is an important part of our cultural offer, and this scheme gives young people a unique platform to develop their voice and share it with our communities.
“Elspeth’s passion and originality shone through during the selection process, and I’m delighted to see her inspire others across the East Riding.”
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