Winchester Poetry Prize 2026

The Winchester Poetry Prize is an annual competition run by Winchester Poetry Festival, a registered charity based in Winchester, England. The prize is open to poets aged 16 and over from anywhere in the world, and welcomes poems on any subject and in any form or style. The 2026 competition is judged by Julia Copus, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and author of four collections including Girlhood (Faber, 2019).

Poems must be original, previously unpublished, typed, in English, no longer than 40 lines (excluding the title), and must not have been entered for or won any other competition at the time of submission. AI-assisted work is not eligible. Multiple entries are permitted at a reduced rate per poem. A “Pay It Forward” scheme offers free entries for poets on low incomes.

A longlist is announced in September, with winners revealed live at Winchester Poetry Day on 10 October 2026. All longlisted poems are published in a printed competition anthology. Cash prizes are awarded for first (£1,000), second (£500), and third place (£250). The Kathryn Bevis Prize is additionally awarded to the best poem submitted by a Hampshire-based poet.

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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