SHARES Lancashire Oracy Awards: Celebrating the Joy of Play Through Poetry

The spirit of play, past, present, and future, filled the hall at Lathom High School as pupils from schools across West Lancashire took centre stage for the SHARES Lancashire Oracy Awards. This uplifting poetry competition celebrated children’s voices, confidence, and creativity, with every performance reflecting how play continues to shape childhood and community life.

This year’s theme, “Play”, encouraged children to reflect on everything from nostalgic street games to the digital age of play today. Their poems beautifully captured laughter in the playground, the emotions of friendship and teamwork, and the pure joy of imagination. A particularly touching poem, “Skelmersdale Shanagas,” celebrated local pride and the shared memories that unite generations of children growing up in the town.

Each pupil performed with confidence and heart, reminding everyone of the importance of listening to and valuing young voices. Every child was exceptional, offering a unique perspective on what play means to them.

Two amazing poems were selected to be featured by About the Town’s Editor, Bev, after she witnessed these incredible children’s performances firsthand. One from Bethan at Crow Orchard and another from Herleen at Woodlands, both of which capture the theme with striking honesty and creativity.

SHARES Lancashire continues to work closely with schools to raise educational standards and inspire pupils to communicate with confidence, empathy, and imagination. Events like the Oracy Awards give children a platform to express themselves, celebrate their individuality, and show us that when children speak, their words can have the power to inspire an entire community.

‘What is Play?’ By Bethan

Every second feels an hour,

Whilst I am immersed in play,

It beckons me closer,

And everything else fades away.

A warm light fills my heart,

And I am whisked away to another world.

A place where I am finally seen,

A place where I am finally heard.

Play is not a place,

Nor is it a thing,

Play is whatever you want it to be,

You can be anything.

Play is sliding down a skyscraper, whizzing through soft, fluffy clouds,

Play is gliding across a roller-rink, feeling as if nothing can stop you.

Play is building a den, a high-security secret base,

Play is throwing a rugby ball, laughter filling your ears for the rest of the day.

Play can be anything,

What will you make it today?

Imagination is unlimited,

So too can your play.

No one is too old, or even too young, for play,

Everyone needs some fun in their lives,

Don’t let it fade away.

Play is always waiting for you to come and find it,

Never disappearing,

So maybe you can try it.

Forget about your work,

Forget about your stress,

Just for one day,

Stop and play.

Imagination will do the rest!#

‘I’m sick of being a kid!’ By Harleen

I’m sick of being a kid!

Big heads block my view

tidy this, tidy that 

always told what to do, 

I’m sick of being a kid!

Smelly broccoli down my throat,

Wake up, get dressed

Harleen pick up your coat!

I’m sick of being a kid!

Knots ripped out of my head

Hurry up, slow down

Why are you out of bed!

I’m sick of being kid!

Mummy can’t be right

She says she wishes she was a kid, 

When she kisses me goodnight!