Poets, wordsmiths, metaphor magicians, grab your pens, there’s a competition you don’t want to miss! The Isle of Man’s first Poetry Puzzle is launching this Summer, and we want your poems to be part of it.
 
Poets from ages 7 up are invited to submit a poem (or poems!) on Manx themes. Entry forms will be available from libraries, schools, through social media, or by emailing the Manx Bard Committee: manxbard@gmail.com and the cost of submission is ?3 per poem.
 
A total of 5 poems will be selected to be part of the puzzle adventure which will run throughout August. There are three age group categories, and at least one poem will be selected from each. Winners will have their poetry proudly displayed around the island, as well as winning a ?25 cash prize for each poem which is selected.
 
The Poetry Puzzle is a poetry treasure hunt, which will lead participants around the island. Each poem contains a clue, and once all the poems have been located participants will have to solve the final puzzle piece to get the correct answer and be in with a chance of winning a prize!
 
The Poetry Puzzle is the initiative of Di Benson who forms part of the Manx Bard committee, supported by Bridge Carter, Hazel Teare, and Stacey Astill who is also the 1st Living Manx Bard. It is kindly supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council, Manx Litfest, Culture Vannin, and the Isle of Man Post Office.
 
‘Poetry is currently causing a real buzz around the island at the moment, and we are very excited to look through the submissions! It’s a joy to be able to promote talented writers – especially some of the younger people who have always impressed the Bards when they have run sessions in schools and youth groups’ said Di.