Shelley Memorial Project
2024 Poetry Competition
The trumpet of a prophecy! O Wind,
if Winter comes can Spring be far behind?
The theme for this year’s poetry competition is the changing seasons.
Like generations of poets before and since, Shelley was inspired by the the power of the seasons and the cycle that shows nature as majestic, sublime, merciless and indifferent.
We are inviting poets to continue a conversation engaged in by Shelley and his contemporaries more than 200 years ago applying a 21st century interpretation - actual or metaphorical - to the impact of the seasons' cyclical rhythm.
The closing date for entries is 31st August 2024. Prizewinners will be notified in advance of our celebration event in early October.
Please download an application form here.
1st place - £250
2nd place - £150
3rd place - £50
Plus the Sussex Cup
(awarded to the best poem by a Sussex resident)
This year’s competition prize money has been generously sponsored by Graham Sitton, Horsham resident and author of two novels, Two Hearts and Sam & Kelly.
Competition judge:
Liz Barnes
Liz Barnes is a contemporary poet whose work can be romantic and soothing, or hard hitting and thought-provoking.
She has had two anthologies published by the Real Press: A little bit of pain and a whole lot of love and I swallowed the world.
Liz shares her work locally and was recently a guest at the Ox Market Contemporary in Chichester.
Liz says, ‘I use poetry as my advocate, to help express emotions and feelings. I like poetry with authenticity that leaves its mark, whether with images or thoughts.
Submission guidelines and award rules
Submission guidelines are as follows:
Poems in any category may be up to 50 lines.
Entry fee is £5.00 per poem - maximum 2 poems.
Poems should be accompanied by an entry form.
The poet’s name should not appear on the poems themselves.
Poems must be the original work of the named author and must not have been previously published (hard copy or on-line) or won a prize in any competition.
The organisers accept no responsibility for entries that are incorrectly submitted or not delivered due to technical faults.
By entering the competition, entrants agree to accept and be bound by the rules of the competitons and the decisions of the judges.
The copyright of each poem remains with the author, but will appear on the SMP website and in our social media.