The 2021 National Poetry Competition, organised by the Poetry Society, is now open for entries.

Poets are invited to submit previously unpublished works of up to 40 lines. Poems must have a title and not exceed the line limit (which excludes the title and line spacing). The work can be on any subject, as long as it is original.

The National Poetry Competition is open to anyone over 18 years old, including international poets. Multiple entries are allowed, but work must be submitted anonymously.

Prizes:
First Prize - £5,000
Second Prize - £2,000
Third Prize - £1,000
Commendations - £200

An additional award, the Peggy Poole Award, will be granted to an entrant of the National Poetry Competition who is living in the North West of England at the time of submission, who will receive a mentorship from a leading poet.

Judges:
Fiona Benson, David Constantine and Rachel Long.