Schools Poetry Competition – Globally Curious: Voices from the Earth

Join us to enjoy some fantastic verse, read by a bright young generation of new writers.

We welcome this year’s winners of our annual Schools Poetry Competition to perform their work at this special prize giving ceremony.

The competition, held annually by The Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester, and in partnership with the Great Science Share for Schools encourages children to use poetry as a means of self-expression.

The theme of this year’s competition was Globally Curious: Voices from the Earth. Students from six schools and learning centres participated: Whalley Range High School, Stretford Grammar, Burnage Academy, Clayton, Richmond Park and Mersey Valley.

The judges assessed the poems and were looking for unique takes on the theme, effective imagery, innovative use of form, and creative command of language.

On the day, the young people will be presented with their prizes by Charlotte Wetton, this year’s judge and a Centre for New Writing alumna, and the event will be hosted by Rebecca Hurst, Lecturer in Creative Writing.

This event is part of the Bee Curious talks programme at the Universally Manchester Festival 2026.

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Host or Publisher Office for Social Responsibility,The University of Manchester