Alongside the city-wide search for a successor to Adrian Blackledge, the hunt is also on for a new Young Poet Laureate to follow on from Serena Arthur.

Anyone living, working or studying in Birmingham can apply for either of these honorary posts. Budding poets have until 12 August 2016 to submit their applications.

A panel of four judges from the Library of Birmingham, Writing West Midlands, Waterstones Birmingham and Poetry on Loan will announce the new poet laureates during a special event on National Poetry Day (6th October 2016), to launch the 18th Birmingham Literature Festival.

Councillor Ian Ward, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Birmingham is home to a wealth of literary talent and our poet laureates have played an important part in promoting poetry for 20 years, so we’re eager to see what the next generation will produce this year.

“The Library of Birmingham’s partnership with Writing West Midlands has generated brilliant work from previous laureates, and its profile as a cultural destination will enable this year’s winners to make poetry accessible to people across the city. Birmingham libraries have led the way with innovative projects like this, such as Stories from the Web and Book Start, which celebrate language, literature and, of course, poetry.”

The two-year role is an honorary post with a small budget to commission poems and fund activities. To apply, candidates must submit two poems, with one on the subject of Birmingham along with a personal statement outlining what they would like to achieve with the role This might include writing poems to commission, performing poetry, running workshops, getting involved in cultural events and working with the city’s many poets and poetry groups.

To apply, candidates must submit two poems – including one about Birmingham – along with a personal statement outlining what they would like to achieve with the role

Jonathan Davidson, Chief Executive of Writing West Midlands, said: “The Birmingham Poets Laureate have a vital role to play in the life of the city. We are delighted to be working with the Library of Birmingham to help develop this marvellous initiative. We know that the two poets to take on these roles over the next two years will have a brilliant time and we look forward to working with them.”

Poets applying for the posts must live, work or study in Birmingham and the Poet Laureate applicants should be aged 18 or over in October 2016 and Young Poet Laureate applicants should be between 11 and 17-years-old at 1st October 2016

Entries can be submitted via Writing West Midlands website: www.writingwestmidlands.org/writers/birmingham-poet-laureate/