Cheltenham Poetry Festival International Poetry Prize 2026

The Cheltenham Poetry Festival International Poetry Prize is an annual poetry competition hosted by Cheltenham Poetry Festival, a UK poetry festival founded in 2011 by poet Anna Saunders.

Poems must be in English, unpublished, and no more than 50 lines long. Entrants may submit as many poems as they wish. The competition is open to all entrants all over the world.

This year’s competition is judged by poet and novelist Rosie Garland. All entries will be read by Rosie Garland before she makes the final selection of winning and highly commended poems.

The three prize winners will be offered the opportunity to read at one of the festival’s online poetry lounges. Winning poems will be published on the Cheltenham Poetry Festival website. A prize may be split between two winners if two entries are judged of equal merit.

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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