• Redbridge Libraries Poetry Competition 2026

  • As part of the National Year of Reading, Redbridge Libraries is delighted to invite people of all ages to take part in our Poetry Competition 2026. Building on the creativity of our existing writing groups, we encourage everyone, from experienced poets to first-time writers, to celebrate the joy of reading, writing and self-expression through poetry.

    Competition Details

    Theme: Seasons - celebrate the beauty, change and inspiration of the seasons through poetry.

    Maximum Word Count: 150 – 200 words max (not including title)

    Age Categories:

    • Children (7 – 12)
    • Teen (13 - 17 years)
    • Adults (18+ years)
    • Seniors (60+)

    Eligibility

    The competition is open to anyone who lives, works or studies in Redbridge.

    How to Enter

    Submit your piece:

    Online via the JotForm entry form (preferred)

    In person at any Redbridge Library.


    Closing Date

    Midnight on Saturday, 31 October 2026

    Publication Opportunity

    A selection of entries from each category – children/teen/adult/senior - will be published in a Redbridge Libraries poetry anthology at the end of 2026.


     

  • Date of Birth (if under 18)
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • Age Category (Please select)
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  • Declaration

    By submitting this entry, I confirm that:

  • (Parent/guardian signature required for entrants under 18)

  • Competition Rules

    1. Entries must be based on the theme: Seasons.
    2. Poems submitted must be no more than 200 words.
    3. Entries in languages other than English need to be submitted with a version translated into English.
    4. One entry per person.
    5. Entries must be the entrant's own original work and must not have been previously published or submitted elsewhere.
    6. The competition is open to anyone living, working or studying in Redbridge.
    7. Entries must be received by midnight on Saturday, 31 October 2026.
    8. Redbridge Libraries reserves the right to close the submission form early.
    9. The judges' decision is final.
    10. Selected entries will be included in the competition anthology, due to be published at the end of 2026.
    11. Redbridge Libraries reserves the right to edit submissions for spelling, punctuation and formatting prior to publication.
    12. No submissions with offensive language or content will be accepted.
    13. The anthology will include a content warning for certain themes.
       
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