oet of the Year 2026

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 Full Details

oet of the Year 2026 is now open for submissions! 

Our 2025 competition received over 500 entries from around the world with Lucy Crispin taking first place for her poem something happened here.  

Our 2026 competition is now open for submissions. Poems entered may be on any subject and in any poetic format but no more than 60 lines long. There is an entry fee of £5 per poem, with all funds raised helping to support our annual 2-week festival and year-round public engagement work.  

Before entering, please download the info pack and entry form below. All submissions will require an accompanying entry from and a copy of your order confirmation.  

Longlisted poems will be compiled in our annual printed Anthology, and shortlisted poems will be read at our online Awards Evening on 1 October, when the winners will be announced. 

The winner not only receives the title of Canterbury Festival Poet of the Year, but also £300 (sponsored by Prof Geralyn Pinto). Second and third prizes are also available, second place wins £150 and third £75 (sponsored by Posillipo’s Restaurant, Canterbury).     

Please remember not to put your name on the poem itself as they are all judged anonymously, and to read the Terms and Conditions carefully before submitting your entries.   

The deadline for entries is midnight on Monday 1 June 2026.  

We look forward to receiving some amazing work.  

Click here to download the Poet of the Year Competition 2026 entry form

Click here to download the Poet of the Year Competition 2026 Terms and Conditions

 

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