Hampshire Young Poets competition 2026 is open until 22nd May, with prizes to be won. Young people from across Hampshire are invited to write a poem of no more than 14 lines on this year’s theme of food.
The rustle of a bag of crisps in a silent movie theatre. The disastrous birthday cake that lives on in family folklore. The feeling of biting into the crunchiest of carrots. The comforting aroma of sizzling spices. The stink of a rotten apple long forgotten in your schoolbag. The chaos of baking with your baby brother. How warm rotis feel between your fingers.
Through this year’s theme young people are invited to explore the world of food through senses, memories, traditions and emotions. Entries must be a poem of no more than 14 lines, for a chance to be one of this year’s winning poets.
Entries are open to young people who live or study in Hampshire in three different age categories; 4-7, 8-11 and 12-16 years. The competition is free to enter, with National Book Token prizes for the winners, supported by Paris Smith, matched with P&G Wells book tokens for the schools (or education provider) of the winning entrants. Additionally, certificates will be awarded to three commended poems and three poems with the best line in each age category.
As well as entering via email, there is a Poetry Desk situated at P&G Wells Bookshop in College Street in Winchester, where young people may also submit poems into their poetry postbox. There are all resources required to enter in this cosy space, including writing prompts to spark imagination.
The competition is judged by Damian Kelly-Basher Hampshire Poet 2024-26, who says: “Whatever you write, have fun. Writing is about having fun!”
The chosen winners will be celebrated at a special celebration event during Winchester Poetry Day 2026 at The Arc, Winchester, on Saturday 10 October 2026.
Hampshire Young Poets is an annual competition run by Hampshire Cultural Trust and the Winchester Poetry Festival. It aims to inspire creativity and encourage a love of poetry, writing and words in young people across the county.
Find out more about the competition, including the guidelines and how to enter HERE
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