In honour of famed Scottish poet William McGonagall, we’re running a Best Bad Poetry Competition.
We’re looking for the most artfully terrible poem we can find. It’s easy to write a bad poem, yes, but we’re looking for a poem that is technically awful but nonetheless remains entertaining. We want works that are cringe-inducing, awkward, rhythm-less… and yet profound.
For inspiration, you may enjoy reading about the life and works of famed Scottish poet William McGonagall – often known as the worst poet ever to exist.
The competition is free to enter, and the first prize is £100 cash. Full details below.
Timeline
We’re accepted entries until midnight on the 10th April 2025.
Runners-up will be notified on the 12th April 2025.
The announcement of the winner and the prize-giving will happen as part of our McGonagall Night event on the 20th April 2025 at the Beehive Inn in Edinburgh.
Prizes
Runners up will be invited to read their works at our McGonagall Night on the 20th of April 2025, at the Beehive Inn in Edinburgh. Each runner up will be offered two complimentary tickets (if you’ve already bought a ticket and are selected as a runner-up, we’ll refund your purchase).
If you are selected as a runner-up, but cannot attend, we’ll ask someone to read your poem on your behalf.
The winner will be chosen on the night. The prize is £100 cash and a plate of peas. The second- and third-place poets will receive a smaller plate of peas each.
Terms
You can enter as many times as you like. Poems may be previously published. Simultaneous submissions are fine.
We’ll ask the winner if they would like to have their winning entry published on the website, but they are by no means required to.
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How to Enter
To enter, fill in the form below. Good luck!