The Keats-Shelley Memorial Association’s Poetry and Essay Prizes 2025-26

The Keats-Shelley Memorial Association’s Poetry and Essay Prizes 2025-26 are open. As in previous years there are two competitions. The Keats-Shelley Prize, which is open to all, and the Young Romantics Prize, aimed at anyone aged between 16-18yrs. The Chair of this year’s judging panel is author, critic and journalist Rupert Christiansen.

Poets are asked to write a new work inspired by this year’s prize theme of “Dystopia” or “Utopia”, chosen to mark the 200th anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelley’s novel, The Last Man.

Keats-Shelley essayists are invited to write on any aspect of the work and/or lives of the Romantics and their circles. Young Romantic essayists can respond to one of two questions set by the judges.

Keats-Shelley Prize winners receive £1000. Two highly commended entrants in each category will receive £500. Young Romantics winners receive £700. Two highly commended entrants in each category will receive £300. All finalists’ poems and essays will be published on the Keats-Shelley website and Keats-Shelley poetry and essay prize finalists will also be published in The Keats-Shelley Review.

Deadline for all submissions: 10am (GMT) on Monday 2 February 2026.

More information and how to enter both prizes: www.keats-shelley.org