The Bedford Poetry Competition 2026
31 October 2026
The Bedford Poetry Competition is open to writers worldwide over the age of 17 years.
Prizes:
- First prize £2000
- Second prize £400
- Third prize £300
Guidelines:
- Poems must not have been published, self-published, published on a website, broadcast, been placed first, second or third, or been awarded a prize in any other competition.
- Poems must be no more than 40 lines. Title not included in the line count.
- Poems must be written in English.
- Poems must be typed, and in a readable, 12 point font.
- Nothing must appear on any page which would identify the author.
- The filename must be the title of the Poem, entered exactly as entered on the Poem submissions page.
- Do not include your name in the filename.
- The following are acceptable electronic file formats: .doc .docm .docx .dot .dotm .dotx .odt .txt.
Entry Fees:
- The standard entry fee is £8.50 per poem; three poems entered on the same form £17
- For full time students, the entry fee is £6 per poem; three poems entered on the same form £12
Submissions deadline: 31st October 2026 (23:59 (GMT))