Primary Poetry Competition 2026 – Myths, Legends & Folklore!

Calling all young storytellers and imaginative writers! Step into a world of heroes, monsters, magical creatures and ancient tales in our Primary Poetry Competition 2026. Whether you love crafting words on the page or performing with flair, this is your moment to shine!

There are two elements to this: 

- Writing a poem 

- Reciting a poem 

Myths, Legends & Folklore 

Unleash your imagination—go on epic adventures, battle fierce beasts, or bring magical worlds to life through poetry!

Age Categories:

• 5–8 years

• 9–11 years

WRITING

Children can enter in one or more of the following:

• • Free Verse Poem

  • Diamante Poem

GET INSPIRED! Think about:

• Courageous heroes

• Terrifying monsters

• Enchanting magical creatures

• Ancient myths and legends

Let your imagination soar and your words take flight! Create. Imagine. Perform. Inspire.

Fantastic Prizes!

Winners will receive brilliant poetry books for their school, plus a Toppings bookshop voucher to spark even more reading magic!

SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY

Entries should be scanned and emailed to: RachelAxtenHiggs@kingsely.org

Deadline: Friday 19th June

Make sure your name, school and age category are clearly included

RECITING

Participants must recite the given poem for their age group (5-8: The Griffin's Flight, 9-11:The Giant of Hollow Hill).

Judging criteria include expression, delivery, and emotional impact.

Props and musical accompaniment are allowed but optional.

Schools may enter children for either individual or group.

Parents should contact Rachel (RachelAxtenHiggs@kingsely.org) if they would like to be considered.

TOP TIPS for Performance Poetry

• Tell the story.

• Think about how you use your voice - volume, tone, intonation and

pace

• Think about how you use your body - facial expressions, eye contact

and physical gestures

• Think about how you use the space. Poems can work brilliantly with

lots of movement, but can be equally powerful with hardly any.

• Focus on bringing the poem to life through enjoyment and

expression, not just reciting words perfectly.

• Try tongue twisters and deep breathing to relax and prepare yourself

• Be brave

• Have fun and let go of inhibitions

• Think of your recital as a special gift to share with everyone!

• Try watching Michael Rosen’s top tips for performance poetry:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvV23xoZRkI

Special Event at King’s Ely – Saturday 27th June

All submitted poems will be proudly displayed at King’s Ely during an exciting afternoon of craft, music and poetry. This celebratory event will also host the live Poetry Recital Competition, where performers bring their mythical masterpieces to life!

Unleash your imagination… we can’t wait to read and hear your legendary creations!