Following a competitive selection process, Elspeth Snelling, a talented young poet, has been appointed as the first ever East Riding Young Poet Laureate by East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s library team. It’s an initiative that helps to reinforce how culture and libraries are rooted in the community.
Snelling was selected for her passionate voice, innovative approach to poetry, and her commitment to engaging and inspiring communities through words. She will become an official representative of East Riding Libraries.
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Elspeth’s passion and originality shone through during the selection process, and I’m delighted to see her inspire others across the East Riding.”
The Young Poet Laureate scheme has been designed to help develop a creative person aged 18-25 in the early stages of their career. Throughout her tenure, Beverley-based Snelling will receive tailored support to help refine her craft, develop her confidence, and expand her reach as a poet.
An artistic development scheme
The scheme itself provides six months of artistic development: the first three months involve mentorship with the current – and inaugural postholder – East Riding Poet Laureate, Cassandra Parkin. This will be followed by a further three months under the guidance of the incoming 2026 Laureate, in April 2026. Parkin’s debut story collection, New World Fairy Tales, was the winner of the 2011 Scott Prize for short stories and since then she has published seven novels.
In addition to personal mentorship, Snelling will have the opportunity to design and lead poetry workshops, perform her work at public events, and collaborate with established poets. She will play a vital role in shaping the future of poetry across the East Riding, using her unique poetic voice to connect with and inspire people of all ages.
Coultish also said: “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.”
Of her appointment, Elspeth Snelling 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.’’
To find out more about East Riding Libraries’ Poetry Programme, visit: Festival of Words
