The Poetry Trail is a community-driven initiative designed to bring poetry to the very heart of Manx life. Ten selected poems will be displayed around Douglas city centre, weaving words into the fabric of daily life and encouraging both residents and visitors to explore creativity in unexpected places.
Entries will open on the 1st September 2026!
The entries will be judged by award-winning and widely published poets:
Alexandra Corrin-Tachibana
and
Vanessa Lampert
Entries will open on the 1st September 2026!
The entries will be judged by award-winning and widely published poets:
Alexandra Corrin-Tachibana
and
Vanessa Lampert
GUIDELINES
- Poems must be no more than 25 lines (excluding title) and in word format, not pdf.
- You may enter up to three poems, there are no residency requirements or any prescribed theme. Only those aged 18 yrs or older can enter.
- The entries will be judged anonymously by two judges who will be looking for poems that entertain, inspire, uplift, provide food for thought, raise a smile, or touch a nerve.
- The poems should be suitable for display in public and be an asset to literature in the Isle of Man.
- The judging of entries will be confidential and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the selection.
- No identifying details should be included on poems submitted.
- Name, address, telephone number, titles of the poems submitted and method of payment (BACS or cheque) should be in the body of the submission email.
- Email submissions with the subject heading Poetry Trail 2026 to [email protected]
- Or if it is a postal entry then the entry form must accompany the submission.
- No changes to submitted entries are allowed, please ensure the submitted version is the correct one.
- By submitting an entry, you agree to your poem being included in the IOM Poetry Trail and if you win, have your winning poem printed on a bright yellow A4 poster and put up on a venue in Douglas City Centre.
