After an open call for submissions, the Litfest & Wayleave Press Poetry Pamphlet Competition has now selected a shortlist.

Selected from almost 100 entries, our ten shortlisted poets are:

Maria Isakova Bennett
Rebecca Bilkau
David Canning
Duncan Darbishire
Isobel Dixon

Ilse Pedler
Clare Proctor
Terry Quinn
Ruth Taaffe
Barry Wilson

All the poets read at a special showcase event as part of Litfest’s Autumn Weekend on 19 October 2024.

The three winners, selected by judges Ian Duhig and Jane Routh, will be announced in the New Year and their pamphlets, published by Litfest and Wayleave Press, will be launched at a special event at Litfest 2025 on Saturday 15 March.

Congratulations to all the shortlisted poets! You can read a poem by each of them below.