Free to enter, WORD UP! The Search for Worcestershire's Young Poet Laureate, UK

Deadline: 31 December 2010

Our exciting new Word Up competition is appealing to youngsters to put pen to paper and compete for the coveted title of being Worcestershire’s first Young Poet Laureate.

Are you aged 13 - 19?We are looking for young poets aged 13-19 with something to say and who love saying it with words. We're not necessarily looking for the next Shakespeare but if one is found, they won't be turned away!

Who can enter the Word Up competition?

Our competition is open to 13-19 years olds who live in Worcestershire or attend school, college or university in Worcestershire.

What do you need to do to enter?

Young people need to submit two poems, one of which needs to be on the subject of 'home'. The other one can be on any subject. The poems can be any length, and in any shape or form you like. Entry is free but only one entry per person.

Find out the rules and register to enter the competition online >>

Is there help at hand to enter the competition?

Yes, we are running workshops throughout October and these are free to take part in but you need to pre-book them in advance. These will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Find out details about the workshops >>

What is the prize?

As well as being known as Worcestershire's Young Poet Laureate (what a great thing for furture CVs!), the winner will get a great trophy and lots of other goodies that are currently being sorted out. The winner will also have their own poetry mentor for the year and will be paid to write and perform more poems throughout the year.

Closing date is 31st December 2010When is the closing date?

Please get your entries to us by 31st December 2010. We won't be able to accept anything after this date.

When will the winner be announced?

It is planned to shortlist all the entires into a final 15 by Friday, 7 January 2011 and hold a grand final on Friday, January 28 2011 to announce the winner!

All 15 poets will be asked to perform their shortlisted poems at the final, or nominate someone else to do so on their behalf.From left to right are Matt Windle, Natalie NcVey, Steve Wilson, Jodie McConnell and Spoz.

Who will be judging?

The juding panel will be made up of Natalie Mcvey (from the Libraries and Learning Team), Steve Wilson (County Arts Officer), Jodie McConnell (Extended Services Co-ordinator) and one of our performance poets, Spoz or Matt Windle.

More information here.