A poet for
the Port.

What could a Port Laureate do?

Write and share poems for the town. Listen to its communities. Make room for other voices. Bring poetry to everyday places, celebrations and shared moments.

This is an independent community proposal led by Shakes. No council appointment or official endorsement is claimed.

A competition with room for different voices.

The proposed competition welcomes written poems, spoken performances, signed poetry and work made with communication support. Community connection matters more than polished presentation.

We’re exploring a connection to Ellesmere Port through living, working, studying or contributing here, with an accessible route for younger poets too.

Proposed judging looks at the poem’s connection to the Port, originality, impact and the poet’s ideas for involving the community. Independent judges would choose the laureate; anyone entering, including Shakes, would step back from judging their own competition.

Help us make it happen.

We’re looking for community partners, potential judges and people who would like to take part. Entries are not open yet. Dates, age groups, entry rules, the laureate’s term, access support and any prize will be published before entries open.

Share whether you’re interested as a poet, partner or judge. Please do not send a competition entry yet.

Meet Shakes.

Shakes is the Port Poet: a playful writer, performer and community bard. Shakes would like to put themselves forward for the Port Laureate title alongside other local voices.