The Whispering Wisdom Poetry Prize 2026 Now Open

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 full Details

Why Poetry?

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Poetry invites a more reflective, contemplative way of engaging with the world — something increasingly rare in our fast-scrolling lives. This competition isn’t just about prizes. It’s about encouraging people to pause, reflect, and connect through words that carry depth, beauty, and meaning.

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Previous winners can be found on our website . This year, we will only be hosting one prize poetry competition, but we have extended the line allowance, increased the prizes and widened eligibility criteria - see below for full details. 

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Thank you for helping us build something slower, deeper, and more soul-nourishing.

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ENTER The 2026 PrizePoetry Competition 
​​IMPORTANT NOTICE: 

Over the past few months, one of our judges has experienced some unexpected health challenges, which have inevitably affected the time and energy available for the promotion and administration of the competition. Rather than rush the process, it feels important to honour the spirit of this work by allowing it the space and care it deserves.

The new deadline for submissions is 31st August.

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We warmly welcome both new submissions and those who may have been meaning to enter but haven’t yet found the moment. We’re really looking forward to reading your work.

Thank you for your understanding and for being part of this growing community

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Last year, we had some fabulous entries. Thank you to everyone who took part - it was a real privilege to read your work and we were so impressed with the quality of each and every entry.  ​Winning entries can be found here.

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THEME for 2026: Feel free to write on any theme

We are looking for poems that move us, slow us down, open something, encourage us to think about life in a new way.  

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PRIZES .....(because Artists should be paid for their creativity!)

  • First Prize: £250

  • Second Prize: £50

  • Third Prize: £50  

All prizes are subject to entries.

Winners and a selection of shortlisted poems will also be published on the Whispering Wisdom website and social media (with your permission).​

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ENTRY GUIDELINES

  • Theme: A theme of your choice

  • Length: Up to 40 lines per poem (excluding title and line breaks). Poems exceeding 40 lines will not be considered.

  • Language: English

  • Format: Typed and previously unpublished. Poems must have a title but submissions are anonymous - see Submission Guidelines below.

  • Deadline: Sunday 31st AUGUST 2026, 11:59pm (UK time) Late submissions will not be accepted.

  • Winners: Winners will be announced on Friday 14th August 2026 and notified via email. Winning entries will be published on our website in September 2026.

  • Entry fees: 1 poem: £5.00. Further poems can be submitted for  £4 each. See below for details.

  • Fees help fund the prize pot, cover admin costs, and support the development of future competitions from Whispering Wisdom.

  • Fee Waivers: Please note we will be offering up to 3 fee waivers in this competition - if you wish to be considered for a fee waiver, please complete the application form by following this link: APPLICATION FOR FEE WAIVER

  • Please see our writers' resources page for details of other poetry competitions (this is a new page and we will be adding to it over time).

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