Poems entered into Winchester Poetry Prize 2026 can be on any subject, and in any form or style, but must be written in English, previously unpublished, and no more than 40 lines in length.

Established in 2016, this literary competition has grown in stature, with poets at all stages of their careers hoping that this year their poems might light a spark with the competition judge.

The first prize is £1000, second prize is £500 and third prize is £250. Poets based in Hampshire are automatically entered into the Kathryn Bevis Prize category.

All longlisted poets are invited to read their poems at an exciting prize-giving ceremony as part of Winchester Poetry Day on Saturday 10th October. All longlisted poems will be published in a printed anthology available on the day.

Entry fee: £7 for first poem, £5 for subsequent poems

Find out more here

Deadline: Friday 31st July 2026 (23:59 UK time)