After the End Poetry Competition

The After the End Poetry Competition is an annual poetry competition hosted by the After the End research project in partnership with the National Poetry Centre. After the End is a Wellcome-funded interdisciplinary research project that explores time, temporality and the question of endings. It looks at who decides when something has ended and how experiences of endings shape lives, communities and policies around the world.

Poems should engage with the concept of “after the end”, exploring the temporal, ethical, social or emotional dimensions of endings. Submissions may draw on personal, historical or global events, reflect on lived experience, or experiment with form and perspective. There are no restrictions on style or genre. Entrants may submit one original, previously unpublished poem of up to 40 lines, or a spoken word video performance of under three minutes.

Entries must be in English. The competition is open to poets of all experience levels, and includes a category for under-18s.

The judging panel includes academics from the University of Oxford, the University of Exeter and Njala University, along with Nick Barley, Director of the National Poetry Centre. Winners will be announced on 1 February 2027.

The winner receives £200. Second and third place receive £100 each. Selected winning poems will be featured on the After the End website and social media channels.

Is this event legit?YES! – Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any opportunity, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work. Check the organizer’s website and carefully read the terms and conditions!

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