Join us on National Poetry Day as we celebrate the talented poets who entered the inaugural Maidstone LitFest Poetry Competition.

This special poetry reading event will showcase the shortlisted, winning and highly commended poets from across Kent, giving them the opportunity to share their work with an audience and celebrate the creativity and diversity of our county’s writing community.

The winner of the Maidstone LitFest Poetry Prize will be presented with their award and will also be invited to join the judging panel for the 2027 competition. We are delighted that our inaugural competition has been judged by Dr Dorothy Lehane, whose expertise in poetry and creative writing brings a wealth of experience to this exciting new prize.

Please note: priority for this event will be given to the poets who entered the competition, along with their invited guests. We are delighted to be able to offer 20 additional tickets to members of the public who would like to join us and hear some of Kent’s most talented emerging poets perform their work.

Tickets for these additional places are £5 per person and offer a wonderful opportunity to experience a celebration of local poetry, discover new voices, and mark National Poetry Day with the Maidstone LitFest community.

We look forward to welcoming poetry lovers, writers and supporters for an evening of inspiring words and unforgettable performances.