Goole 2026 Poetry Competition closing date

Entries are now being accepted for Goole Library’s ‘Goole 2026’ Poetry Competition ahead of the closing date on Sunday 21 June.

To take part, entrants should submit a poem about Goole. For example, it could be about living in the town or written from the perspective of a Goole resident past or present.

There are categories for primary school age children, secondary school students and adults (over the age of 16 years) to enter. The winner of each category will receive a cash prize (£60, £90 and £100 respectively) and the runners-up will each receive a Goole 2026 commemorative ‘salt and pepper pot’ cruet set. Certificates will also be provided.

All of the prizes are being funded and provided by Goole Civic Society, and the winning entries will be published in a booklet, the creation of which will also be funded by Goole Civic Society.

Entries should be submitted to Goole Library, either by emailing goole.library@eastriding.gov.uk or by handing a hard copy in to library staff. Entrants should include their name, address and contact details, but this information should not appear on the poem itself.

Any personal information will be redacted before the poems are considered by the judging panel, which is made up of Margaret Hicks-Clarke, Chair of Goole Civic Society and a member of the Goole 2026 Bicentenary Group; Georgina Petty, Vice Chair of the Goole 2026 Bicentenary Group and Chair of Friends of West Park; and Janet Porter, a member of the Goole 2026 Bicentenary Group.

Terms and conditions:

• Poems must be no more than 45 lines in length, have a connection to the ‘Goole’ theme and be typed clearly. 
• They must be the original work of the named entrant, written in English and should not have been published, broadcast or have previously won a competition prize.
• No alterations can be made to a poem once it has been submitted.
• Entrants can submit more than one poem, but they must be on separate pages.
• The name of the poet must not appear in or on the poem itself.
• Entries cannot be returned, so entrants should retain a copy of their work.
• The decision of the judging panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
• Copyright remains with the poet, but competition organisers reserve the right to publish the winning poems online or in print for one year after the closing date of the competition.
• The organisers also reserve the right to alter details of the competition if necessary.
• All entries must be received by Sunday 21 June 2026.