Event details

Ware Poets 28th Open Poetry Competition is now open for entries - cash prizes, the chance to have your poem published, and a new local prize!

There are cash prizes for the best poems, the best sonnet, and the best poem by a resident of Hertfordshire or Essex, as well as the chance to have your poem published.

Whether you're a seasoned poet or feel inspired to write your first poem, the competition is open to everyone (age 16 and over). Poems can be on any subject. They must be in English, be your own original work and no longer than 50 lines.

The entry fee is £5 per poem, and the closing date is 30th April 2026. Entries can be submitted and paid for online, or by postal form and cheque if preferred - full details on the Ware Poets website.

The judge for this year's competition is poet, performer and educator, Keith Jarrett. Keith is a multiple poetry slam champion and 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, and his play 'Safest Spot in Town' was performed at the Old Vic and aired on BBC Four. Keith teaches Creative Writing at NYU in London, and has previously judged the Foyle Young Poets Award and the Commonwealth Short Story Prize.


First prize £1,000
Second prize £500
Third prize £200
Sonnet prize £200
Local prize £200 - for best poem by a resident of Hertfordshire or Essex


All winning and commended poems will be published in the Ware Poets 2026 Anthology.

Additionally, the prize-winning poems will be published on the Ware Poets website, and the poem awarded first prize will be entered for the renowned Forward Prize for Poetry.

A complimentary copy of the Anthology is given to each poet published. Further copies will be available to order from mid-July 2026.

All prize-winning and commended poets will be invited to read their poem at an informal, celebratory prize-giving event on Friday 10th July 2026, 8-10.30pm, at Southern Maltings Arts Centre in Ware. As with all Ware Poets events, everyone is welcome to attend.. The competition judge Keith Jarrett will award the prizes and give a reading of his poems.

For full details of the competition, please visit: https://warepoets.org/competition-2026


Ware Poets meet monthly at Southern Maltings in Ware to enjoy poetry in a relaxed and friendly environment. Everyone is always welcome, whether to read a poem or to enjoy listening. https://warepoets.org/

For further information, please contact: [email protected]