04 Nov 08

Christ Church’s Christopher Tower Poetry Competition has been running since 2000.

Christ Church’s Christopher Tower Poetry Competition has been launched today (4 November 2008) – the 90th anniversary of the death of war poet, Wilfred Owen.

This year students between the ages of 16 and 18 are challenged to write a poem on the theme of ‘Doubt’. The competition, now in its eighth year and the UK’s most valuable prize for young poets, offers UK sixth-formers an opportunity to win a £3,000 top prize.

Launched in 2000, the Tower Prizes are already established as among the most prestigious literary awards for this age group. The first prize is £3,000, with £1,000 and £500 going to the second and third prize-winners. In addition to individual prizes, the students’ schools and colleges also receive cash prizes.

The entries will be judged this year by Fiona Sampson – a poet and current editor of Poetry Review, Daljit Nagra – a secondary school English teacher and poet, and Peter McDonald.

The Christopher Tower competition has taken a leading role in drawing attention to the huge creative potential of students in Britain's schools. Many of the competition's past winners have gone on to achieve further acclaim for their writing in other competitions or in the publishing world.

At the launch of the latest competition, Dr Peter McDonald, Christopher Tower Student and Tutor in Poetry in English at Christ Church, said: ‘Poetry’s future depends, in part, on the kind of encouragement we can offer our young poets. The winners of the Tower prizes all show how good young writers can rise to the challenges which this kind of competition sets.’

The competition is open to all 16-18 year-olds in full or part time education. Students and schools can find out more information about the prizes and associated future events at the Tower Poetry website, or by calling 01865 286591 or emailing info@towerpoetry.org.uk. The closing date for entries is 18 March 2009