The closing date for the sixth Ripon Poetry Festival competition is fast approaching.

The competition is at the heart of the festival and poets of all ages are being invited to submit their creative work by July 31 for consideration by a panel of judges.

There are three age categories — under-11s, 12 to 18 year-olds and adults —  and those judged to be the best will be published in anthologies covering each of the three age ranges.

Those whose entries are included in the anthologies will be invited to read them at Ripon Arts Hub (pictured below) on the evening of Saturday September 23.



Headlining this year's festival is internationally-famous children’s writer Michael Rosen, who helped to launch the first Ripon Poetry Festival in 2017.

The author, whose works include We're Going on a Bear Hunt, features in a packed programme that also includes theatre legend Barrie Rutter, the actor and director who founded Northern Broadsides to champion acting talent from the north.

Running from September 21 until October 1, the festival has grown year on year to become the biggest of its kind in Yorkshire and among this year's highlights will be performances from poets Hadley-James Hoyles, Alison Carr, Robert Powell and Sarah Wimbush.

In addition to workshops and an open mic event, Tim Harrison, former director of music at Middlesbrough Cathedral is joining forces with author, poet and festival curator Andy Croft for the world premiere of a chamber oratorio.

More details about the festival and how to enter can be found by clicking here.

Read more:

• Harrogate district libraries will not censor 'offensive' books


• Plans submitted for new Ripon housing scheme