Poet laureateSimon Armitage not too long ago launched a shifting poem to mark the Queen’s demise. The poem is titled Floral Tribute and describes a September night. It additionally mentions one of many Queen’s favorite flowers, the lily of the valley, which appeared in her wedding ceremony and coronation bouquets.

Poetry brings us collectively, and voices, phrases, and tales assist to bridge understanding in our neighborhood.

Anybody can participate within the day, whether or not quietly by yourself, or with others.

Right here is all the things you might want to know in regards to the annual celebration.

What’s the historical past of Nationwide Poetry Day?

Nationwide Poetry Day was based in 1994 by the charity Ahead Arts Basis, with the purpose of celebrating excellence in poetry and growing its viewers, encouraging everybody to get pleasure from it. The day is supported by the BBC, Arts Council England, and main literary and cultural organisations, in addition to booksellers, publishers, libraries, and faculties.

What’s the theme this 12 months?

Nationwide Poetry Day’s theme this 12 months is for audiences to search out or write a poem that speaks about one thing they wish to change or reward in regards to the surroundings and share that of their faculty, neighborhood, or on social media. You’re inspired to tag @PoetryDayUk on Twitter and Fb and @nationalpoetryday on Instagram in any posts you share on-line. You may as well use the hashtag #NationalPoetryDay!

How do I become involved?

There are many occasions to participate on this 12 months, happening throughout the nation, throughout faculties, libraries, and extra. Listed below are a few of them:

Different methods you will get concerned embody:

Writing a poem

What higher motivation to put in writing a poem than to have your work shared with and celebrated by others?

Sharing a poem

Ship a poem to a good friend or beloved one.

Placed on a poetry studying or occasion

If you happen to can’t discover the occasion you need, why not run your individual?

Poetry within the office

From social media takeovers to lunchtime readings, poem-a-thons, and far more, take into consideration how you can deliver poetry into your office this Nationwide Poetry Day.