Wandering Words Poetry Competition
Rhubarb’s Wandering Words poetry competition is open from 28th April to 8th June 2025. We’re looking for up to 25 writers of different ages to include in a poetry trail around Shipley to help celebrate Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture. Selected writers will have their poem printed on a poster, displayed in a shop window and featured in a trail map in July. Winning poems will also be published on our website.
Our competition theme is ‘roots and routes’: poems that explore belonging, journeying, and Shipley’s connection to the world. All creative interpretations of this theme are welcome! If you need inspiration, browse our free writing resources or come to one of our workshops! For the full competition rules and to submit your work, follow the links below.
Free writing resources
Our Wandering Words competition is encouraging entries from writers of all ages. If you’d like some help to come up with an idea, follow the links below to browse or download free writing prompts.
Workshops
Need more inspiration? Join one of our writing workshops at the Kirkgate Centre in May. Places are free but limited. Sign up using the booking form below…
Tuesday 20th May 2025, 7-9pm
Pack your pens and hit the road — this routes themed poetry workshop with Kristina Diprose and Liz McPherson is all about twists, turns and tales of travel.
Workshop 1: Routes
Friday 30th May 2025, 7-9pm
Unearth your story and explore the deep ties of home, heritage, and belonging in this roots themed poetry workshop with Mike Farren and Lauren K. Nixon.