Poetry
There are many opportunities to perform poetry at WCAF! From set verses to sonnets, there is something for everyone of any age. The WCAF Poetry Slam returns this year. We would love to see you there.
All large and small group entries are FREE. Entries to the Poetry Slam are also free and all solos, duets, trios and quartet entries have 25% off the entry fees if completed by 1st December 2025.
​We do not believe any enthusiastic performer should miss out on WCAF because of financial concerns or additional needs. We want to make taking part as easy as possible and to ensure we include everyone who wants to take part. Please contact admin@wcaf.org.uk to discuss any accessibility requirements or to discover more about free places.
A really exciting new development for poets this year is the WCAF Poetry Slam! This gives poets of all ages, abilities and experience the opportunity to perform their own poetry and get feedback from a fantastic team of judges and a supportive audience.
The Slam will takes place over four rounds on Saturday 14th March. You will have a 3 minute maximum time slot to perform your own poetry. You may perform one or more poems in this time. You do not have to use up the full 3 minutes. The judges will score each performance to see who progresses to the next round. You will need to enter the slam with enough poems to see you through what could be 3 rounds.
​​The poetry slam is free to enter.
There are various opportunities for performing other people's poetry. Solo competitive classes include both set verses and 'own choice' poetry, along with sonnets. There are opportunities to perform in pairs and non-competitive opportunities also.
Entries MUST be made online via Play&Perform.
The aim of these non-competitive classes is to give opportunity for experience of verse speaking in public if English is not your first language.
You have the choice to either perform in person or to submit a video to be adjudicated online. Please ensure you enter the correct class and submit the video by the deadline, if applicable. We welcome performers from across the world!
Entries MUST be made online via Play&Perform. ​
Get together with your friends to act out your choice of poem. Unison, solo and combination speaking may all be used, along with movement, sound effects and hand props.
Large group entries are FREE if completed by 1st December 2025. Entries MUST be made online via Play&Perform.
Poetry performers who are also musicians or singers may also wish to enter the Sproule Prize. The Sproule Prize is for performers up to the age of 15. Competitors must perform a poem or an acted scene AND a song or a piece of music on any instrument.
