ILKLEY Literature Festival’s 2021 Poetry Competitions for Children and Young People are now open for entries.
The theme of this year’s competition is nature or the natural world, and ILF encourages schools and individual children to get involved, whether you’re an aspiring poet or a complete beginner.
ILF Director Erica Morris said: “Getting outside into nature is particularly important right now, and writing is a brilliant way to connect with the natural world around you. Whether you’re inspired to write about a big theme like climate change or something as small as a ladybird on your windowsill, we want to read your poem.”
The competition is free to enter and to help with some inspiration, ILF asked poet and competition judge Andy Craven-Griffiths to share his top tips on how to make your poem stand out. Watch on ILF’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/ilkleylitfest
There are three age categories in each competition. The winners will be invited to read their poems at a special prize-giving event in summer 2021. The winners will also receive book tokens and both winners and runners up will each receive a book and a certificate.
Young People’s Poetry Competition Age Categories: Years 7, 8 and 9; Years 10 and 11; Years 12 and 13.
Children’s Poetry Competition Age Categories: Reception, Years 1 and 2; Years 3 and 4; Years 5 and 6.
To enter and for full terms and conditions, visit ILF’s website: www.ilkleylitfest.org.uk/children-youngpeople/2021-childrens-poetry-competition.
Poems should be no longer than 28 lines. The closing date is Friday, May 28.
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