Seren Poets at VERVE Poetry Festival
As the publishing arm of Poetry Wales, Seren Books is renowned for showcasing poets who push boundaries and inspire readers. Seren poets Betty Doyle and Carrie Etter bring their poetry to VERVE Festival of Poetry & Spoken Word, making this a perfect opportunity to pair their collaboration with the promotion of Poetry Wales Award.
About the Poetry Wales Award
The Poetry Wales Award is back, and this year it promises to be bigger and better than ever. With entries open until 17th February 2025, this annual competition is a must-enter for poets worldwide, offering a chance to showcase your craft and win incredible prizes. And what better way to celebrate this literary milestone than by attending VERVE Poetry Festival 2025, where Seren Books brings two of its talented poets to the stage.
The Poetry Wales Award (formerly the Wales Poetry Award) is one of the most exciting poetry competitions of the year, judged by acclaimed poet Jeremy Dixon. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or an emerging voice, this competition invites you to submit work that, in Dixon’s words, “delights in language, surprises, protests, inspires, and dances.”
Key Details:
Deadline: Midnight GMT, 17th February 2025
First Prize:
£500
Publication in Poetry Wales
One-year subscription to the magazine
A choice between a place on a writing course at Tŷ Newydd or a stay at their dedicated writing retreat cottage (travel not included).
Second and Third Prizes: Cash prizes, publication, and subscriptions.
10 Highly Commended Poems: Featured on the Poetry Wales website and celebrated at an award ceremony.
Entry Fee: £5 per poem (free for magazine subscribers or those from low-income households).
This competition is open to poets worldwide, and you can find all the details and submit your work at www.poetrywales.co.uk/award.
Event Highlights:

The Pamphlet Hour – Friday, 7pm
Betty Doyle will join Laurie Bolger, Troy Cabida, and Ellora Sutton to explore the art of the poetry pamphlet in this exciting event. Betty will share work from her much-anticipated second pamphlet, Fruits of Labour (Seren, 2024), offering a glimpse into her poetic world.
Sunday Headline Event – Sunday, 2:30pm
Carrie Etter takes the stage with Helen Calcutt, Ruth Padel, and Padraig O Tuama in a headline event you won’t want to miss. Carrie will read from her fifth collection, Grief’s Alphabet (Seren, 2024), a profound meditation on grief and resilience.
Workshop: The Wall as Thin as a Wren’s Bone – Sunday, 9:30am
Carrie Etter will also lead a workshop focused on similes in poetry, inspired by Dylan Thomas’s evocative imagery. This is an incredible opportunity for poets to hone their craft under Carrie’s expert guidance.
Spread the Word and Get Involved
If you’re a poet, don’t miss this chance to enter the Poetry Wales Award. And if you’re a poetry lover, mark your calendar for VERVE Poetry Festival in Birmingham and experience the brilliance of Seren poets Betty Doyle and Carrie Etter live.
Help us share this incredible opportunity with your networks—friends, family, and fellow poetry enthusiasts. Let’s celebrate the written word together!
For more information on the Poetry Wales Award, visit : www.poetrywales.co.uk/award
To book tickets for VERVE Poetry Festival events, visit : www.vervepoetryfestival.com
Let’s make 2025 a year to celebrate the beauty and power of poetry.
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