Ware Poets Open Poetry Competition 2027: prize-giving celebration with Rachel Long

Everyone is welcome to this celebratory event to hear the readings of the winning and commended poems, followed by a special reading from competition judge Rachel Long.

Full details of the competition will be available when it launches in January 2027.

Rachel Long’s debut, My Darling from the Lions (2020), was shortlisted for the Forward Prize, The Costa Book Award, The Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award, and the Jhalak Prize Book of the Year by a Writer of Colour. She was born in London, and now lives in Margate. Her second collection, Sparrow on the Rooftop was published by Chatto & Windus, in June 2026.

No open mic this month.

Tickets can be bought in advance or on the door.

Entry prices: £5; £3 for students under 24; Free to ages 18 and under.

Free entry for competition prizewinners and commended poets.