A poetry competition for young people has been launched in Kingston and Richmond.

The Seven Kings Poetry Prize is open to all Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students studying in both boroughs.

The aim is to increase creativity and wellbeing amongst young people in a challenging time and to combat the rise of AI in creative writing.

The competition is supported by both boroughs' councils, and local businesses such as Waterstones and Kiss The Hippo. Winners will be published in an anthology which Waterstones is collaborating on.

The Seven Kings Poetry Prize is being judged by academics and high-profile poets, as well as singer-songwriter Oritsé from JLS.

The inaugural theme of the competition is "Currents and Foundations" and entrants have until 20 December 2026 to enter.

Students can enter via their schools, with more information here.