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Our current competition: New Writers 100-Word Writing Competition 2026 – Deadline: 30th Apr 2026. Prizes: 1st: £1,000; 4x Runners-up: £100.
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The Ware Poets 28th annual Open Poetry Competition is open to entries of up to 50 lines. The winning poem will be awarded £1,000 and entered for the Forward Prize. There are also prizes for second (£500), third (£200), and the best sonnet (£200), as well as a prize for the best poem from a for a poem by a resident of Hertfordshire or Essex (£200). All prize-winning and commended poets will be invited to read their poem at an informal, celebratory prize-giving event.
This year’s judge is Keith Jarrett. A multiple poetry slam champion, he was selected for the International Literary Showcase as an outstanding LGBT writer. His poem, ‘From the Log Book’, was projected onto St. Paul’s Cathedral. His play, Safest Spot in Town, was performed at the Old Vic and aired on BBC Four.
Details