Libraries in the High Peak and Derbyshire have launched a poetry competition to mark National Poetry Day on Thursday 7 October.

The theme of the competition is inspired by the theme of National Poetry Day, which is 'choice'. 

To enter the competition, poets must create a poem on the theme of choice in 200 words or less. The competition is open to adults aged 18 and over.

Following the success of Derbyshire libraries writing competition – as part of the BBC Novels That Shaped Our World project, which saw more than 130 eligible entries being published in the first compendium eBook on the BorrowBox app – Derbyshire's libraries say they are keen to follow this with an eBook of poetry.

Councillor Barry Lewis, Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for experienced or budding poets. Not only will the project foster local talent, but all the poets’ works will also be available to a wider audience.”

Barbara Crossley, who was one of the winning entrants to the writing competition, said: “This experience has encouraged me – literally – it has given me fresh courage to carry on with my writing.

“It has inspired me to try different forms of poetry – I’d really like to explore more contemporary poets and poetry in performance. And I've also decided I'd really like to apply to do an MA in Creative Writing and see where that takes me.”

All entries will be published in an eBook, and the winning entry will also be awarded a bottle of Laureate Sherry, kindly donated by the 21st Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage when he visited the new Belper Library in April.

Laureate Sherry has long been a tradition, and this unique bottle has a specially designed label by Simon’s wife, Sue, and features a drawing of the Marsden Cuckoo.

The competition runs from 7 October and closes at midnight on 7 November 2021.

For full details on how to enter and the terms and conditions, visit https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/events/library-events.aspx.

The High Peak's eight libraries are located in: 

• Glossop (Talbot Road)
• Gamesley (Grindleford Grove) 
• Hadfield (Station Road)
• Chapel-en-le-Frith (Market Square) 
• Hayfield (Kinder Road)
• Buxton (Kents Bank Road)
• New Mills (Hall Street)
• Whaley Bridge (Market Street)

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