Bradley Taylor named new Birmingham poet laureate

Birmingham's new poet laureate has been revealed as Poetry on Demand performer Bradley Taylor.

The 28-year-old said it felt great to take on the two-year role and meant he could "shout and celebrate the city that I love even more than I already do".

Taylor, who was commissioned to write a poem for Peaky Blinders' creator, Steven Knight, has become known for writing poems on-the-spot at festivals, parks and events.

"The city's known for its writing and its poetry, so it's an incredibly important position, because it helps continue celebrating the heritage of Birmingham and its arts, especially in a time when becoming an artist is becoming harder and harder," he said.

He said historically, Birmingham was known for its artists and poetry, from people such as Benjamin Zephaniah, Casey Bailey, and song writers like Ozzy Osbourne and Ruby Turner.

He planned to continue hosting events, working to expand the Zephaniah Forest project across the city , in tribute to the former writer and poet, and support local projects.

"I will also be performing Poetry on Demand with my typewriter across the city over the two-year position," he said.

"I will also be working with Birmingham Libraries to continue celebrating them... while representing the city across the country and doing two nationwide tours."

Taylor started his impromptu poems routine in 2021 and has appeared at the Hay Festival and the Verve Poetry Festival and most recently at International Day of Birmingham.

His read out his Peaky Blinder verse, By Order of the People, at the film's premier in Birmingham in March, celebrating the characters and the city they were from.

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