The go-to place for writers in Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire
The go-to place for writers in Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire
Date published: June 7, 2026
Sole Judge: Penelope Shuttle who will read all entries Closing date for entries. Midnight, 29th August 2026. 1st prize-£600. Runner-up- £300. 5 x commended-£50 each. The Gloucestershire Prize - £200. (for Gloucestershire residents only). Penelope Shuttle has lived in Falmouth since 1970. Her new collection, History of the Child, published in February 2026 by Bloodaxe Books, is a highly evocative exploration of childhood, memory, and imagination. The book blends personal and historical perspectives, guided by the idea of childhood as a transformative and rebellious space. Her thirteenth collection, Lyonesse, appeared from Bloodaxe Books in June 2021, was Observer Poetry Book of the Month, and long listed for the Laurel Prize. It has been described as ‘...a singular, arresting and moving book’. Noah, a pamphlet, appeared in September 2023 from Broken Sleep Books. Shuttle is President of the Falmouth Poetry Group. Entry fees: Postal entries; £4 per poem or 3 poems for £10. More info here
