In commemoration of David Laing CBE, we are launching the David Laing CBE Young People Poetry Award.

David Laing CBE was a published poet who was inspired to write poetry by painting pictures in words. David’s first poetry book was titled Loving, Living Life, which is the theme for the award in 2024.

Beneficiaries and volunteers from foundation-funded charities and community groups are invited to enter a poem that relates to the theme, Loving, Living Life.

To enter, please read the eligibility criteria at the bottom of this page and send your poem to enquiries@ncf.uk.com by Monday 7th October 2024.  

What It’s About: This theme is all about the awesome ways love and life are connected. We want you to think about what makes life fun, beautiful, and sometimes a bit tricky, all through the lens of love — whether it's love for your friends, family, yourself nature and the world around you.

Things to Think About:

• Everyday Magic: How does love pop up in the small stuff? It could be sharing a joke with a friend, watching a sunset, or just hanging out with someone you care about. Think about how these moments make life better and write about them.

• Staying Strong: Life can be tough, but love can help us push through. How does love give you hope or keep you going when things get rough? Your poem can dive into how love helps us stay strong, even when life gets challenging.

• Making Connections: Life is all about connections — between people, with nature, or even within yourself. How does love tie everything together? Think about the bonds and experiences that make life meaningful, and how love is at the heart of it all.

• Life’s Journey: We all go through different stages in life, from being a kid to growing up, and beyond. How does love play a role in these different parts of life? Your poem might look at how love is always there, giving life meaning and purpose.

What We’re Looking For:

• Real Feelings: We want poems that are real and relatable. Your poem should show what it truly means to love and live fully.

• Creative Vibes: Let your imagination run wild! We’re looking for poems that tackle the theme in fresh and cool ways, whether through vivid descriptions, awesome metaphors, or unique perspectives.

• Universal Connection: While your poem can be personal, it should also touch on ideas that everyone can relate to. We want poems that make people feel something and think about their own lives.

This theme is all about celebrating life in all its ups and downs. We hope your poem captures the moments, feelings, and relationships that make life worth living. Whether your poem is happy, sad, or somewhere in between, it should show a deep appreciation for the gift of life and the love that makes it so special.

Before entering, please read the eligibility criteria on our website. The winner of the David Laing CBE Young People Poetry Award will be invited to perform their work at Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s Annual Awards event in November 2024.

If you would like to read our tribute to David Laing CBE, which is a permanent feature on our website, please click here.

We are so looking forward to reading your poems. If you have any questions about the David Laing CBE Young People Poetry Award, please contact enquiries@ncf.uk.com.

 

Eligibility criteria

• You must be aged 11-17 on the closing date of 7th October 2024 in order to enter.
• You must be a beneficiary or volunteer for a foundation-funded charity or community group.
• Individuals can only enter one poem.
• The award is free to enter.
• Poems can be on the following theme: Loving Living Life as per the entrant information. Poems not reflecting this theme cannot be considered.
• Poems must be forty lines or shorter.
• Poems cannot have been won by any other competition.
• Poems must be the original work of the author and must not have been created using AI.
• Poems must be written in English, but you can include phrases in your mother tongue or another language. If you would like to enter an entry in British Sign Language or Braille, then please contact enquiries@ncf.uk.com
• The copyright of the winning and short-listed poems remains with the authors. However, the winning and short-listed poets, by entering the competition, grant Northmaptonshire Community Foundation the right to publish in print and online and/or broadcast their poems for one year from 1st December 2024