Birmingham Appointed Bradley Taylor Poet Laureate

The 28-year-old performer has been selected to serve a two-year term as the city's new poet laureate.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in People

Birmingham Appointed Bradley Taylor Poet Laureate

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Birmingham City Council has named Bradley Taylor as the city's new poet laureate. Taylor will hold the position for a two-year tenure.

Why it matters

The appointment provides a platform for Taylor to promote literary arts throughout the city and beyond through his unique performance style. His role is expected to bridge community outreach with creative expression.

The new laureate is 28 years old and will serve a fixed term of two years. His appointment follows his recent high-profile appearance at the Peaky Blinders film premiere.

The players

Bradley Taylor

He is a 28-year-old performance poet recognized for his typewriter-based Poetry on Demand acts.

Birmingham City Council

This local government body is responsible for the administration and cultural appointments within Birmingham.

Steven Knight

He is a renowned writer and creator who has previously commissioned work from Taylor.

The details

Taylor is a performer known for his Poetry on Demand service, where he writes poems on-the-spot using a typewriter for audiences at parks and festivals. He intends to collaborate with Birmingham Libraries and expand the Zephaniah Forest project during his time in office.

Taylor started his Poetry on Demand routine in 2021.
Taylor performed at the Peaky Blinders film premiere in March 2026.
Bradley Taylor was officially named poet laureate in October 2026.

Market Landscape

The appointment follows the city's ongoing commitment to the Zephaniah Forest project, integrating literary heritage into local environmental initiatives. This move strengthens the cultural market share of Birmingham by utilizing modern performance art to engage younger demographics.

Residents can expect to see Taylor performing his on-the-spot poetry routine at various local events and festivals throughout the city. His collaboration with local libraries aims to provide increased access to literary programming for the public.

The takeaway

Taylor plans to take his unique performance style beyond local borders through two upcoming nationwide tours. His tenure serves as a template for how younger artists can leverage interactive, analog experiences to drive public engagement with literature.