The Manchester Cathedral Poetry Competition.

  • News
  • 21 August 2023
The Manchester Cathedral Poetry Competition.

Submissions are now closed for The Manchester Cathedral Poetry Competition. 

Entries are now being collated to go before judges Cathedral Writer in Residence Tom Branfoot, poets Charlotte Shevchenko Knight and Maryam Hessavi, and Dean of Manchester Rogers Govender.

Winning poems will be announced on Monday December 4.

Our theme this year was ‘A Truth’, inspired by a statement from the sadly deceased poet Lucie Brock-Broido:

"Though I am wildly capable of certain linguistic fabrications, I am in it for the truth. OK: a truth."

We are looking for poems which examine the notion of truth and subjectivity, that resist certainties. Our theme was deliberately broad to inspire poems on a variety of topics, while engaging with the notion of what truth means to you. 

We are offering a winning prize of £200, with £50 for second place, and £25 for third place. There will also be 10 highly commended poems with no financial renumeration.

If you have any questions about the theme or general enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Enable JavaScript to view protected content.