Micropoetry Competition 2025
Write a ‘Connections’ themed micro poem for your chance to win up to £500.
Our former Chancellor of The University of Manchester, Lemn Sissay OBE, returns to judge The Centre for New Writing’s 2025 micro poetry competition.
As the honorary chair of creative writing, Lemn will be joined by fellow judges John McAuliffe, Professor of Poetry at The University of Manchester and Manchester-based poet and critic, Maryam Hessavi.
The theme for 2025 is ‘Connections’, and the competition offers a top prize of £500 with two runner up prizes of £250 each.
The challenge is simple: write a micro poem of no more than 280 characters and submit using the official competition entry form.
Entries must be submitted by 23:59 on Saturday, 21 June 2025, with winners to be announced by Friday, 25 July 2025.
World Poetry Day celebrates all that is fascinating about poetry and its manifold forms. Our micro poetry competition explores the art of translating a set theme into a condensed poem that captures attention and shares a story. Inspired by Lemn Sissay's daily poem on social media, we open our 2025 competition so take part and have a go. We look forward to reading your micro poems exploring the ‘Connections’ theme.
John McAuliffe / Professor of Poetry at The University of Manchester
How to enter
- Use this online form and use the text box to add your micro poem. The theme is ‘Connections’.
- Select your category. There are two categories available: 18 and over or under 18.
- Follow the form and enter your contact details.
- Make sure your submission is completed along with the contact information by 23:59 on Saturday, 21 June 2025. Any entry made after this time will not be included.
Prizes will be awarded for first place (£500) and the two runners-up (£250), with a £25 book token for the winner of the under-18s category.
View the full terms and conditions.
Good luck, we look forward to seeing your entries.