The Forward Prizes for Poetry are the most influential awards for new poetry in the UK and Ireland, honouring fresh voices alongside internationally established names.

First awarded in 1992, over the last three decades the prizes have celebrated some of the most recognised names in poetry including Simon Armitage, Thom Gunn, Seamus Heaney, Ted Hughes, Carol Ann Duffy, Claudia Rankine, Jackie Kay and Caleb Femi. Each year there are four prizes;

• The Forward Prize for Best Collection (£10,000)
• The Jerwood Prize for Best First Collection (£5,000)
• The Forward Prize for Best Single Poem – Written (£1,000)
• The Forward Prize for Best Single Poem – Performed (£1,000)

The Forward Prize for Best Single Poem – Performed, is the only Forward Prizes category that allows for self-submission, as such we will accept only one submission per poet.

All submissions must be registered via submittable and an eligibility questionnaire must be completed prior to the submissions deadline of Sunday 15 March 2026.

There is no age minimum for poets submitting to the Prize but books and poems aimed specifically at children are not eligible.

A prize of £1,000 will be given to the author of the best new performance or a new poem to camera. 

This prize category views “performance” as the act of a poet inhabiting a poem using their voice and/or the body. Though the poem may also be published in written form, this category is not simply for a poet reading their poem, but the intention is to celebrate the delivery of a poem that is crafted and shaped with an eye to engaging an audience. A performance makes the poem come alive in a new and exciting way and is an authentic experience of a single live moment rather than a tailored, edited film.

We invite submissions that push the boundaries beyond the written form and give a different experience to simply reading a poem. Please note that because this is a new category, we are exploring and testing our approach to learn and grow from year to year. It’s then important to read updated guidance carefully.

1. The Forward Prize for Best Single Poem – Performed, is the only Forward Prizes category that allows for self-submission, as such we will accept only one submission per poet.
2. There is also a separate submission portal for poetry producers to nominate poets other than themselves – please ensure you use the correct portal.
3. Video submissions must be produced between 5 March 2025 and 4 March 2026.
4. Submissions cannot exceed 5 minutes. If the poem is part of a longer performance please edit the video and submit only the extract you wish to enter. We will not accept longer videos with reference to time signatures.
5. Unlike previous years, this year we are asking that the poem be recorded in front of a live audience. It doesn’t have to be a formally organized night. Even a more informal performance in front of a small audience is sufficient. But it’s critical the judges can see how the performer engages with their audience.
6. This is not a poetry film competition; the camera is there to capture the performance clearly, rather than add to it. The film will have minimal camera play (eg, single shot or up to three cameras but of a single performance, provided the images aren’t edited into something that more closely resembles a film). The judges will not assess the performance based on the quality of the recording, though it is important to be sure that the performer’s voice (where relevant) is fully audible and their performance is fully visible. 
7. The only tools to be used are the poet’s voice and/or body, no other instruments, music, technology, or natural elements should be included to inform the performance (though poets can use their voice in any manner they choose, including singing, rapping, beat boxing). The poet can also provide a verbal introduction to the poem for context (provided it falls under the required 5 minutes) or alternatively a single information card at the beginning of the video.
8. Some limited call and response with the audience may be acceptable so long as it’s still primarily a single poet’s work, and it remains up to Forward’s discretion to deem a submission acceptable.
9. All entries must be performed and produced by UK-based/ROI-based poets, or poets with a significant relationship (touring, performing) with the UK/ROI.
10. Poems must be performed predominantly in English or in BSL.
11. A poet’s work may be submitted in multiple categories, but poets will only be shortlisted for one Forward Prize per year.
12. We accept video entries via a private Youtube or Vimeo link.
13. Performers must have a track record of working in the form that must fit at least two of the following criteria:
    1. feature in or regular performance in a spoken word/open mike night;
    2. 2 years of developing your practice outside a formal educational context;
    3. working with a mentor/workshop leader to develop your practice; and/or
    4. significant prizes, fellowships or residencies to allow you to develop your creative work.
14. All submissions must be accompanied by a written transcript to ensure the poem is accessible to all audiences, though the poem will be assessed on the virtue of the performance and the content of the poem as performed rather than the written piece. For BSL entries, please get in touch with us to discuss translation if you need support.
15. All works entered for the Forward Prizes will also be considered for inclusion in The Forward Book of Poetry 2027 as well as our digital library. Forward is a non-profit venture and it is therefore a condition of entry that poets allow poems to be shared in perpetuity without payment of a fee, but with appropriate acknowledgements, for distribution throughout the world and on the Forward Prizes and National Poetry Day websites, in our newsletter and associated publications and social media channels.
16. Performances or poems written by more than one author are not eligible.
17. Shortlisted and winning poets will be expected to be available for publicity around the awards and where possible to attend the ceremony.
18. If a shortlisted poet cannot attend, the poet will work with Forward to identify a tailored, bespoke solution to ensure their work is featured appropriately in the ceremony.
19. Poets will be recorded during the shortlisting phase and at the awards ceremony or for promotion of the Prizes and must complete promotional materials to promote their work.
20. Please check the date and eligibility guidelines carefully. Any work that does not meet the rules will be disqualified. The Foundation’s decision on the eligibility of an entry is final and binding.