Horizon Youth Zone has announced a new collaboration with Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, ahead of the state-of-the-art youth centre opening in the heart of Grimsby next Autumn
Simon Armitage has been commissioned to create a new original poem which will pay homage to Grimsby’s vibrant past, whilst looking ahead to the exciting future that awaits local young people, with the opening of Horizon. The special, original piece will be displayed prominently at the Youth Zone, when it opens its doors.
This week, the Poet Laureate kicked off his research for the piece by visiting Grimsby, welcomed by Horizon Chair, Jason Stockwood. Simon was given a tour of the area, meeting local people and creatives to spark his initial ideas for the poem.
Commenting on the collaboration, Jason Stockwood, said: “As a long-time admirer of Simon’s work, I am absolutely thrilled that he has agreed to write something unique for our community. It’s an honour to have such an internationally renowned writer contribute a piece of art that will commemorate not only the opening of Horizon Youth Zone but also Grimsby’s ongoing commitment to our young people.”
Simon Armitage, reflecting on the project, added: “It’s a pleasure to help create something that speaks to the future of a place as well as its past and present. I’m looking forward to exploring Grimsby, its stories, traditions, ambitions, and contributing poetically to this exciting project that celebrates the community and the potential of its young people.”
Horizon Youth Zone will be open to Grimsby’s young people aged between eight and 19 (up to 25 for those with additional needs), seven days a week, for just 50p a visit. It will offer young people a range of incredible facilities including an indoor climbing wall, four court sports hall, training kitchen, music room with a recording studio, fully equipped gym, dance and drama studio, 3G kick pitch, arts and crafts room, and enterprise and employability suite. In addition, trained youth workers and dedicated volunteers will be available seven days a week to offer guidance and holistic support to help Grimsby’s young people to thrive.
Once opened, Horizon Youth Zone will be an independent charity with a private sector-led board. It will be part of the OnSide Network of 15 Youth Zones nationwide, supporting more than 55,000 young people annually. This commission with Simon Armitage is another exciting step in Horizon Youth Zone’s journey towards opening next year.
Photo: Simon Armitage with Horizon Chair, Jason Stockwood during the research visit.