As part of the National Year of Reading, Redbridge Libraries is delighted to invite people of all ages to take part in our new Poetry Competition for 2026.
We’re inviting everybody who lives or works in the borough of Redbridge to submit entries to our new Poetry Competition for 2026. Our theme this year is ‘Seasons’ – whether it’s winter, spring, summer or autumn, we want you to celebrate the beauty, change and inspiration of the changing seasons through poetry.
The competition is open from ages 7+, with categories for children and young people as well as adults. Selected entries will then be published in a Redbridge Libraries Poetry Anthology. You’ll find the full competition details and terms and conditions below.
It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced poet or a first-time writer – we’re encouraging everyone to celebrate the joy of reading, writing and self expression.
Deadline for entries is the 31 October 2026, so it’s time to grab a pencil and paper and get your poetic juices flowing. We’re really looking forward to reading your entries!
Competition Details
Theme: ‘Seasons’ – celebrate the beauty, change and inspiration of the seasons through poetry.
- Maximum Word Count: 150 – 200 words max (not including title)
- Age Categories:
- Children (7 – 12)
- Teen (13 – 17 years)
- Adults (18+ years)
- Adults (60+)
Eligibility
The competition is open to anyone who lives, works or studies in Redbridge.
How to Enter
Submit your piece:
- Online via the JotForm entry form (preferred)
- In person at any Redbridge Library.
Closing Date
Midnight on Saturday, 31 October 2026
Publication Opportunity
A selection of entries from each category – children/teen/adult/senior – will be published in a Redbridge Libraries poetry anthology at the end of 2026.
Looking for Inspiration?
Creative Writing Groups
Redbridge Libraries hold a number of creative writing groups across its branches. They’re the perfect opportunity to explore your creativity, share your work and seek advice in a friendly setting.
Poetry Collections
You’ll also find lots of inspiration on our library shelves, with poetry sections in each of our branches. You’ll also find some specially curated collections of poetry ebooks and audiobooks on Libby, available to borrow through our Library App.
London Verse
LondonVerse is city-wide celebration of poetry brought to you by libraries across all 33 London boroughs. As part of the National Year of Reading 2026, we’re inviting poets of all ages and backgrounds to share their stories, perspectives, and dreams through verse. Whether you’re writing about the River Thames at dawn, the rhythm of the Underground, or the quiet moments in your local library, your voice matters. Every poem tells a story of London, and together, they form a tapestry of our shared experience. Share your voice, tell your story, and be part of something extraordinary.
- Entries must be based on the theme: Seasons.
- Poems submitted must be no more than 200 words.
- Entries in languages other than English need to be submitted with a version translated into English.
- One entry per person.
- Entries must be the entrant’s own original work and must not have been previously published or submitted elsewhere.
- The competition is open to anyone living, working or studying in Redbridge.
- Entries must be received by midnight on Saturday, 31 October 2026.
- Redbridge Libraries reserves the right to close the submission form early.
- The judges’ decision is final.
- Selected entries will be included in the competition anthology, due to be published at the end of 2026.
- Redbridge Libraries reserves the right to edit submissions for spelling, punctuation and formatting prior to publication.
- No submissions with offensive language or content will be accepted.
- The anthology will include a content warning for certain themes.
