The National Poetry Competition 2026

Run by The Poetry Society since 1978, the National Poetry Competition 2026 invites poets of any nationality aged 18 or over to submit an unpublished poem of up to 40 lines in English. Entries are accepted online via the competition website. The first poem costs £9 to enter, with each additional poem costing £6 (Poetry Society members receive a free second poem). The competition offers substantial cash prizes: £5,000 for first place, £3,000 for second, £2,000 for third, and £500 for each commended poem. Winners gain publication opportunities and recognition in a prestigious international contest. The deadline for submissions is 31 October 2026. The competition is held annually, making it a recurring open call.

Prize money, publication opportunity, recognition in a prestigious competition

The competition is open to anyone aged 18 or over. International entries are welcome.