You are invited to submit a poem or prose which explore the theme of ‘One World’ as widely as you choose. Winners and those commended by the judges will be published in a City of Sanctuary pamphlet. City of Sanctuary is a national movement to offer welcome and support to those who have fled war, poverty and oppression. We offer the hand of friendship and practical help to many who otherwise are destitute and alone.

The rules of the competition and the entry form are available to download here.

The Judges:

Poetry:

Josie Walsh: Cert. Ed, B. Ed. Hons, Eng. Literature, MA Poetry was first published in Beyond Bedlam ed. by Ken Smith & Matthew Sweeney (1997) Anvil Press. Her poems have been placed in national competitions and published in magazines and Anthologies.

A Pennine poet, she has read work at York & Ilkley festivals and on BBC & ELFM radio.

Clare Wigzell: BA Hons English Literature, PGCE and  20+ years teaching English Literature to adults and young people, MA Creative Writing, published poet in print and online, regular performer in Leeds. 

Prose:

Sarah Connell: BA Hons Literature, career in education including teaching English Literature to adults and young people, first novel ‘Whenever’ won the Cinnamon Press Debut Novel Prize 2017, second novel ‘Random Three’ to be published 2020.

One World: We hold the following points in mind when judging the poem and prose entries. We welcome entries from people who have never entered a competition before.

• the interpretation of the theme in the context of Wakefield City of Sanctuary
• the originality of the voice
• the diversity of the voice
• the quality of the craft and techniques
• the emotional/intellectual impact of the writing