Entries for this year’s competition close on Monday 19th October
The Waltham Forest Poetry Competition is this year inviting poets of all ages to explore the theme of Music.
Run annually since 2018 by Forest Poets, the competition seeks to celebrate established and aspiring poets from Waltham Forest, the UK and beyond.
For 2026, poets can submit work in several categories: Adult, Young Poet, and dedicated local prizes for anyone who lives, works or studies in Waltham Forest. A new award will also celebrate the funniest poem.
This year’s awards ceremony will be held at Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre Pub in Walthamstow on Tuesday 8th December at 7.30pm, where all winners and commended poets will be invited to read their winning poem/s and judge Suzanna Fitzpatrick will also perform. It’s a free event and everyone is very welcome. Book your free tickets for the awards ceremony here.
In 2025, judge Lorraine Mariner read more than 1,000 anonymous submissions on the theme Weather / Whether, receiving entries from nearly 600 poets spanning 26 countries, from New Caledonia to Uzbekistan.
Last year’s winners included Walthamstow’s Tusshara Nalakumar Srilatha, who took the adult prize for the second year running with Turn Back the Day, praised by Mariner for its sensuous language and surprising imagery. Eleven‑year‑old Fatima Sara Dar won the young poet prize with The Great Stink, inspired by her mischievous cat Roya.
Entries for the 2026 competition close on Monday 19th October. Full details and submission guidelines can be found here
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