Hampshire Young Poets Competition 2026

The Hampshire Young Poets Competition 2026 is now open for submissions.

Entrants are welcome to submit poems of no more than 14 lines on the theme of Food. Winning poets will read at an event at Winchester Poetry Day. This competition is open to young people across Hampshire in three age categories: 4-7 years, 8-11 years, and 12-16 years.

The first prize winner in each category will receive a £50 National Book Token plus £50 P&G Wells Book Token for their school/education provider. The second prize winner in each category will receive a £25 National Book Token plus £25 P&G Book Token for their school/education provider. The third prize winner will receive a £10 National Book Token plus £10 P&G Wells Book Token for their school/education provider.

Additionally, certificates will be awarded to three commended poems and three poems with the best line in each age category.

Judge: Damian Kelly-Basher