Established 2016 - Poets, Podcasting, Performances, Projects & Publishing
Eligibility: you must...
Live in a PO1–PO6 postcode.
Be at least 11 years old on 30 June 2026 and no older than 17 on 30 September 2027.
Submit three poems, each on a different subject.
All entries must be typed in a minimum 12‑point font.
Poems must be your own original work and unpublished, both online and in print.
How to Enter
Email your submission to:
- bookfest@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
- Use the subject line: “Young Poet Laureate
In the body of your email include:
- Your full name
- Your age
- Your email address
- Your postcode
- A contact telephone number
- The name and contact details of a parent or guardian
Attach your 3 poems as either a Word document or PDF
Make sure your attachment contains no personal information, so the judging remains anonymous.
Could You Be Portsmouth’s Next Young Poet Laureate?
Portsmouth City Council is searching for a talented young writer to become the Portsmouth Young Poet Laureate. If you’re aged 11–17 and passionate about poetry, this could be your chance to shine.
As part of the celebrations marking 100 years since Portsmouth became a city, we will appoint one young person to hold the title of Young Poet Laureate for a full year. The successful applicant will represent the city at selected events and special occasions and will be mentored by local poet Majid Dhana.
This is a unique opportunity to develop your writing, share your voice, and play a part in the creative life of Portsmouth. The winner will also receive £100 in book tokens.
Rules
- Applications open: Thursday 5 March 2026
- Closing date: 5pm, Tuesday 30 June 2026 (Entries received after the deadline will not be considered.)
- Winner announced: September 2026
- All entries will be judged anonymously --- do not put your name on your poems.
- The judges’ decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
- By submitting your poems, you give Portsmouth City Council permission to use your name and poems for publicity relating to the Young Poet Laureate.
- Entries will not be returned.
The Young Poet Laureate position will run from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027