I’m really pleased to be working with schools for the Leeds Peace Poetry Prize 2016.
This year’s theme is refugees. This includes all categories of displaced people, including asylum-seekers. The competition offers an opportunity to raise awareness not only of the current situation, but of the long history of human migration and entrants are encouraged to think beyond the stereotypes of refugees and to reflect on the valuable contribution people have made to the many countries in which they have settled.
The Leeds Peace Poetry Competition began in 2003 and is a well-established biennial event which attracts thousands of entires each year from schools, young people, adults and community groups.
Entries should be no longer than 40 lines, be previously unpublished, and are limited to a maximum of two per person. Each entry must include the writer’s name and contact details. If appropriate, a teacher’s name should be added as well.
There are three categories: primary school, secondary school and adult. In each category, collective as well as individual entries are welcomed. Poems can be submitted by email to leedspeacepoetry@gmx.co.uk or post to Leeds Peace Poetry, School of English, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT
See the Leeds Peace Poetry Website for more details on how to enter and for the school entry form. Good luck!
Rachel Bower 