Stoke-on-Trent City Council has named Nick Degg as Centenary Poet Laureate ahead of the city’s 100th anniversary next year.
The North Staffordshire wordsmith, who is from Porthill, was appointed to the honorary position at a city council meeting and will represent the city through poetry throughout the centenary year in 2025.
One of his best-known poems, ‘I Come From A Town’, focuses on the decimation of the traditional industries and the creativity of the city’s inhabitants.
Nick said: “I was delighted to be put forward for the role of Stoke-on-Trent Poet Laureate. I think that poetry has been seen as an elitist art form for far too long, and I aim to take it to the people of this fine city, to prove that it can be entertaining, engaging, powerful and also fun.
“Creativity is in our DNA in the Potteries and I’ll be doing some workshops to really tap into imaginations. I’ll also be working with musicians and organisations to place poetry into new environments, to maximise its appeal.
“Poetry is for all of us, and I love to make people think: ‘Wow! I didn’t know poetry could make me laugh so much!’.
“Please people, get involved and let’s have a chuckle as well as hearing and creating some fine work.”
Stoke-on-Trent City Council leader, councillor Jane Ashworth, said: “We are delighted to announce the position for Poet Laureate and to have Nick on board for the centenary year.
“Nick is a local lad and through his art form, he speaks to us all. We can’t wait to hear more of his work as the year goes on. This is the first of many big announcements for the centenary 2025, so watch this space.”
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is urging all residents to get involved in the Centenary and plan their own events for 2025. For more about how to get involved visit: www.sot100.org.uk
