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.

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

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Poems must be your own original work and unpublished, both online and in print.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.