National Poetry Day, organised by Forward Arts Foundation focuses on celebrating excellence in poetry and encouraging people of all ages to read, write and understand poetry in all of its forms. The theme for this year’s event is ‘Change’ and there are activities taking place nationwide to celebrate the power poems have to bring people together. 

Anyone can get involved in the celebrations today, whether it’s organising a poetry reading event or posting a few of your favourite lines of poetry on social media using the hashtag #nationalpoetryday or tagging @PoetryDayUK.

You can also have a look at this year’s National Poetry Day Anthology, Poetry For a Change which features poems by the National Poetry Day Ambassadors - a team of brilliant poets that work hard all year to create dazzling poetry. In the anthology, each of the ambassadors has chosen a favourite poem to share - filling this year’s anthology with old favourites and new!

My favourite poems are ‘The Lady of Shalott’ by Alfred Lord Tennyson (A Rapunzel-esque tale of knights in shining armour, curses and unrequited love that is enchanting) and Milton Hayes’ ‘The Green Eye of the Little Yellow God’ (Completely heartbreaking and the only poem to date that has brought tears to my eyes). Growing up I remember reading collections of poetry with my parents and grandparents (my granddad's favourite was / still is 'The Owl and the Pussy-Cat')

The National Poetry Day Website has fantastic resources for those interested in celebrating today. With recommendations of poetry to read in groups, with children or to discover what’s new in the world of verse. There’s also insight into the world of poetry on their blog. For those wanting to get involved with creating poetry, why not check out the tips offered on the website.

Our editorial expert Andrea Reece is the Manager for National Poetry Day, and LoveReading4Kids is excited to show its support, and help you find your next favourite poem or a  new love for poetry.