Poems may be on any subject and a maximum of 60 lines long. Submissions must be accompanied by an entry form, no name may appear on the poem itself and it must not be previously published. Longlisted poems will appear in an anthology and short listed poets will be invited to read their work at the Awards Evening on 4 October.

Winner receives University of Kent Prize of £200, second place £100 and third £50. Also prizes for Best Read and People's Choice.