UK National Poetry Award

This is a highly sought after competition that has been known to toss up surprises and not the same old same old, clever clever establishment.

Deadline is October 31st

Now in its 34th year, the Poetry Society’s National Poetry Competition is one of the world’s biggest and most prestigious poetry competitions. The judges this year are Colette Bryce, John Glenday and Jackie Kay. 

Winners include both established and emerging poets and for many the prize has proved an important milestone in their professional careers. Add your name to a roll-call of winners that includes Carol Ann Duffy, Ian Duhig, Philip Gross, Jo Shapcott and Tony Harrison – and have your work published in the Poetry Society’s leading international journal, Poetry Review. 

The prizes are: £5,000 for the overall winner, £2,000 for the second, £1,000 for the third, with seven commendations of £100. 

Enter online or download and print a postal entry form.