Joseph Roberts, a 22-year-old from Walton, Liverpool, has turned childhood mockery into a groundbreaking career. Laughed at in school for writing poetry, he now runs the UK's first poetry expo, All Ears, held at the M&S Bank Arena Exhibition Centre on July 3, 2026. In an exclusive interview with the ECHO, Roberts shared how his passion for poetry transformed his life and his mission to make poetry 'cool, mainstream and accessible.'
From Schoolyard Taunts to Poetry Expo
Roberts recalled being ridiculed for his poetry in school, but he never let that stop him. 'I used to get laughed at a bit for writing poems, but I never let that stop me from doing what I loved,' he said. The All Ears Expo featured a World Cup of poetry involving children from 22 schools, who participated in workshops on diversity and culture before competing in a knockout tournament. Roberts called the event a dream come true: 'This was once an idea in my head, now it's reality and that's powerful.'
Poetry as a Vehicle for Change
Roberts believes poetry can change lives, as it did for him. 'It has given me purpose and it's given me the life I have today,' he said. He credits the late Benjamin Zephaniah, whose poem 'Talking Turkeys' inspired him to see poetry as a form of activism. Zephaniah's wife, Qian, attended the expo and said the event's ethos was exactly what Benjamin would have wanted. Roberts' work often centers on his Liverpool accent and Scouse slang, which he calls 'a perfect vessel for spoken word.' He explained, 'The accent is very musical. Poetry is about musicality, rhythm, rhyme, tone of voice.'
Embracing Scouse Identity
Roberts encourages young people to embrace their roots. 'Sometimes you might think our accent holds us back, but it's actually our greatest strength,' he said. He draws on Liverpool's rich cultural history, from the Merseybeats to Roger McGough, and aims to inspire a new wave of poets. 'It can't just be me,' he added. His hard work, he says, stems from his Liverpool upbringing: 'You do not get given anything in this world. You have to work for it.'
Future Plans
Roberts is releasing a book of poems about Liverpool FC in October 2026. He also aims to broaden poetry's appeal, saying, 'I want to get the general public in, bring the bricklayer in and the everyday person off the street. Bring them into the world of poetry and just say, 'Give it a chance' because it is boss. Poetry is heavy.'
