Ware Poets Open Poetry Competition 2025

The 27th Ware Poets Open Poetry Competition is now open for entries from across the UK and internationally.

Poems submitted must be written in the English language, the poet’s original work, and be no longer than 50 lines. Any number of poems can be submitted.

There are cash prizes of £800 (1st), £400 (2nd), and £200 (3rd). There is also a prize for the best sonnet submitted, which will be awarded a cash prize of £200.

The four prize-winning poems will be published online, with the first prize poem to be entered for the Forward Prize. All winning and commended poems will be published in the 2025 Anthology. A complimentary copy of the Anthology is given to each poet published. Further copies available to order from mid-July 2025.

All prize-winning and commended poets will be invited to read their poem at an informal prize-giving event in Ware, Hertfordshire.

Judge: Hannah Copley.