competition details 

You are invited to submit poems on the theme of The Seaside. There is no strict limit on the number of words or lines, but poems should take no more than two minutes to read to an audience. The judge will select the two best poems from the entries, and the authors will be invited to perform their winning poems in front of an audience at the launch of the 'Sandy Arse' poetry anthology in Hastings on the evening of 12th September 2026. Book Festival patrons Henry Normal and Salena Godden will perform on the same bill, together with the judge John Osborne and other poets in the anthology.  There is no cash prize for this competition, and winners will be expected to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements at their own expense.