Aspiring poets are encouraged to enter a poetry contest for the opportunity to have their work showcased at a Tyne and Wear Metro station, where it could be read by thousands.

The competition, hosted by Nexus, concludes on October 17.

Now in its fourth year, the contest is quickly establishing itself as a staple event in the North East and the broader UK poetry landscape.

The winner, along with the three runners-up, will have their poems showcased on a large poster at Longbenton, a bustling commuter station frequented by over one million customers annually.

The award includes £100 in Waterstones vouchers and a complimentary membership to The Poetry Book Society for the winner, as well as £50 in Waterstones vouchers for the runners-up.

All submitted poems will be evaluated by representatives from Nexus, The Poetry Book Society, and the published poet, Jane Burn.

“The Poetry Book Society is delighted to partner with Nexus on the annual Metro Poetry Prize. We care deeply about sharing poetry with our local community and can’t wait to give a platform to regional talent at Longbenton Metro Station. The standard of the poems is always exceptional, and we’re so excited to read this year’s entries on the theme of “care”.

Poetry can offer hope, solace, joy and help us connect with those around us – so we’d strongly encourage everyone who cares about words, and the world, to get involved.”

Alice Mullen, manager of the Poetry Book Society

Poems should be submitted through the Nexus website at www.nexus.org.uk/poetry, focusing on the theme of ‘Care.’

In July 2021, Longbenton Metro station showcased four poems by professional poets, reflecting on the pandemic.

Since then, the station has evolved into a centre for poetry and art.

These poems were subsequently replaced by new ones themed around ‘Winter’ in 2021, ‘Home’ in 2022, and ‘Journeys’ in 2023, each authored by former competition winners.

The station is currently showcasing poems authored by local NHS staff, a creative initiative of the Newcastle Hospitals Trust.

“We’re delighted to use Longbenton Metro station once more to display poetry. We are always overwhelmed with the response which seems to increase in volume and quality each year, and it’s a real celebration of Metro’s long association with the arts.”

The competition is open to all ages and all abilities and we’re looking forward to sharing your poems with our customers.”

David Turton, Marketing Services Manager at Nexus