Plymouth launches eighth anthology of young people’s writing

Plymouth’s future authors, poets and playwrights have been celebrated at the launch of a special ceremony.

The eighth anthology is packed with around 100 pieces of written work written entirely by the children and young people of Plymouth.

This year’s anthology theme of starlight has framed our local brightly shining stars alongside their partners in Plymouth Massachusetts, as this is the first of our Mayflower 400 anthology set of five that will run right through until 2020. The publication now features the work from children on both sides of the Atlantic.

Earlier in 2015, school pupils were invited to submit their creatively written pieces, for consideration and over 500 did! The successful young authors were presented with their very own copies of the anthology from the Lord Mayor, Councillor Dr John Mahony,  along with book tokens.

The event this year also saw the announcement of the winner of the Young City Laureate competition 2015 that provides an opportunity for young people over the age of 16 to write for the city, for special events.

Councillor Sue McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Public Health said: “Yet again I’m amazed by the talent and creativity of our young people. Some of the pieces of work featured in this year’s anthology are absolutely breath taking. I know that some of the young people who have contributed this year will have a fantastic career ahead of them.”

The anthology is funded by Plymouth City Council and is part of autumn literacy based events that will see many schools and colleges across the city taking part in a range of activities to raise the profile of literacy and English, from the Young City Laureate to the Young Motion Plymouth film awards.

Bertel Martin, Plymouth International Book Festival Director said: “I am pleased Plymouth City Council and Literature Works, the literature development agency for the south west, have continued to support this exciting opportunity. It is great to be able to promote the writing talent of Plymouth through this award.”

Copies of the Plymouth anthology will be sent to all Plymouth schools and libraries for everyone to enjoy.