Ware Poets Open Poetry Competition 2026

The 28th Ware Poets Open Poetry Competition is now open. Entries from across the UK and internationally are welcome.

Prizes will be awarded for the best poems and the best sonnet. There is also a Local prize for the best poem by a writer living in Hertfordshire or Essex.

Poems must be in English, your own original work and no longer than 50 lines. Any number of poems can be submitted.

First prize: £1,000
Second prize: £500
Third prize: £200
Sonnet prize: £200
Local prize: £200 for a poem by a resident of Hertfordshire or Essex

All winning and commended poems will be published in the 2026 Anthology.

The prize-winning poems will also be published on the website, and the poem awarded first prize will be entered for the Forward Prize.

Judge: Keith Jarret