Poetry Together is simple, open to everyone, and free.
How it works.
Step 1
Children under 18 and those of 70 years and above are asked to:
Write a poem based on a theme.
2026’s theme is ‘Memories and Dreams’, inspired by a quotation from H.G. Wells: “We all have our time machines, don't we. Those that take us back are memories...And those that carry us forward, are dreams.”
OR
choose a poem with any theme to learn by heart.
Then, practise performing them.
Step 2
Arrange a get-together with the older community in your local area, this could be grandparents, a community group or local care home. You could invite them into school for afternoon tea or ask a care home's Activity Coordinator if you can visit them. Older communities can also take the lead and approach local schools.
Invite your partner school or community to write or choose a poem to perform.
Step 3
Hold your event and perform your poems to one another.
Take lots of pics and videos (in accordance with photography permissions). If you would like, you could also provide illustrations which will make great additions to the Poetry Together anthology.
Step 4
Send your poems, pictures and videos to poetrytogether@dukeseducation.com, including the name of your poets by 18th December 2026.
We will be in touch to inform you if you have won. Every winner and runner up will receive £200 worth of book vouchers and we’re always on the look out for further opportunities to celebrate our winners. In the past this has included invitations to perform on stage at our events, live on TV at ITVs This Morning Studio and even at Buckingham Palace.
2026’s competition ‘Memories and Dream’ is now open.
“We all have our time machines, don't we. Those that take us back are memories...And those that carry us forward, are dreams.”
― H.G. Wells
To register your interest click here.
What is Poetry Together?
Author, broadcaster, poetry fanatic, and founder of Poetry Together, Gyles Brandreth, explains…
