Entries are now open for the next installment of Guernsey’s international poetry competition – Poems on the Move.
People are invited to submit poems into three categories – Open, Channel Islands, and Young Poet with cash prizes for first, second, and third place in each.
The 2026 edition, part of the Guernsey Literary Festival, will be judged by writer and performer John Agard.
Mr Agard is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and has scooped up several awards for his works which are also a feature in the GCSE English curriculum.
He will be supported by poet Jonathan Edwards, who has won the Welsh people’s choice book of the year award twice.
Winning poems will be displayed across the island, at the airport and harbour, and inside buses following a ceremony on 1 May.
Claire Allen, Director of the Literary Festival, said local and global talent would again be on show.
“We had an impressive 2,350 entries last year from 55 countries including Belarus, Italy, Indonesia and Zimbabwe, so as well as celebrating the incredible local talent here on the island, we are looking forward to seeing just how far the competition’s reach continues to extend,” she said.
“We are honoured to have John Agard as our judge this year. He is one of the most inspiring and distinctive voices in contemporary poetry, and his work has influenced generations of readers and writers.
“Having him involved not only raises the profile of the competition internationally, but also brings something very special to our festival here in Guernsey.”
Russ Fossey, Head of Arts Development at Guernsey Arts, added: “The Poetry Competition has become a real highlight of Guernsey’s cultural calendar, attracting outstanding writers from around the world while also shining a spotlight on the wealth of home-grown talent here on the island.
“The visibility of the winning poems in public spaces across Guernsey is a powerful way of raising awareness and showing the value and relevance of the arts in everyday life. We are delighted to be supporting the competition for another year.”
Entries must be submitted online by 15 January 2026 and be no longer than 14 lines.
Young Poets is open to secondary school students across the Channel Islands.