Gala Evening 2026
We have evolved. We are now a voluntary organisation which exists for the most part online and which has become increasingly international in its reach. John Whale stressed this fact in his opening address as he welcomed the audience to the Workshop Theatre of the University of Leeds on Monday evening, fifteenth of June. Some of those present had traveled long distances within Britain, but it was obvious that others would not be able to make it: the three main prizewinners were in India and Denmark and those in the secondary category were in London. All winning and commended poems are now on this website on separate pages.
Rehana Minhas, our chair, explained that the theme of Extinction was chosen in response to the current genocides and the ongoing loss of humanity which we see around us, from environmental destruction to the loss of cultures, languages and communities. The competition invited people to 'take a pause' to explore what the theme means to them by using poetry as a vehicle for expression and understanding. This call to action resonated deeply with hundreds, bringing together poets across the globe, from a Filipino poet living in Denmark to others living in India, Brazil, Japan and North America, along with many living in the UK. The scope of the poetry covered everything from from animal and environmental extinction to the erasure of identities, the persecution of Gypsy and Roma communities and the terrifying state of world politics.
Judge Andy Brooks (Testament) highlighted the imperative case for promoting and properly funding the arts in education and in life in general by talking about a Sheffield school where a local poetry competition had created a powerful sense of belonging across cultures, only for funding cuts to bring the programme to an end, which begs the question 'How are children meant to work out how to fit into the world without some strong way of expressing or sharing their feelings and opinions?' Andy read the winning poems simultaneously with their projection on to a large screen behind him. This was followed by readings by the five shortlisted (and officially commended) poets who had been able to attend. Secretary Richard Wilcocks commented that the poems were very relevant to the politics of today in Britain, with some politicians considering making deleting amendments in the Equality Act of 2010 and others implicitly supporting with public comments the perpetrators of what amounted to a pogrom aimed at immigrant families in Belfast, where houses had been burned down.
Thanks to the Southbank Centre, Hyde Park Picture House, the University of Leeds and Leeds City Council for helping us make the competition such a success. There is a well-worn saying that there is more that unites us than divides us. It is so true! Poetry can remind us of this, so let us continue to champion creativity, empathy and the spaces that allow people to tell their stories.
We have evolved. We are now a voluntary organisation which exists for the most part online and which has become increasingly international in its reach. John Whale stressed this fact in his opening address as he welcomed the audience to the Workshop Theatre of the University of Leeds on Monday evening, fifteenth of June. Some of those present had traveled long distances within Britain, but it was obvious that others would not be able to make it: the three main prizewinners were in India and Denmark and those in the secondary category were in London. All winning and commended poems are now on this website on separate pages.
Rehana Minhas, our chair, explained that the theme of Extinction was chosen in response to the current genocides and the ongoing loss of humanity which we see around us, from environmental destruction to the loss of cultures, languages and communities. The competition invited people to 'take a pause' to explore what the theme means to them by using poetry as a vehicle for expression and understanding. This call to action resonated deeply with hundreds, bringing together poets across the globe, from a Filipino poet living in Denmark to others living in India, Brazil, Japan and North America, along with many living in the UK. The scope of the poetry covered everything from from animal and environmental extinction to the erasure of identities, the persecution of Gypsy and Roma communities and the terrifying state of world politics.
Judge Andy Brooks (Testament) highlighted the imperative case for promoting and properly funding the arts in education and in life in general by talking about a Sheffield school where a local poetry competition had created a powerful sense of belonging across cultures, only for funding cuts to bring the programme to an end, which begs the question 'How are children meant to work out how to fit into the world without some strong way of expressing or sharing their feelings and opinions?' Andy read the winning poems simultaneously with their projection on to a large screen behind him. This was followed by readings by the five shortlisted (and officially commended) poets who had been able to attend. Secretary Richard Wilcocks commented that the poems were very relevant to the politics of today in Britain, with some politicians considering making deleting amendments in the Equality Act of 2010 and others implicitly supporting with public comments the perpetrators of what amounted to a pogrom aimed at immigrant families in Belfast, where houses had been burned down.
Thanks to the Southbank Centre, Hyde Park Picture House, the University of Leeds and Leeds City Council for helping us make the competition such a success. There is a well-worn saying that there is more that unites us than divides us. It is so true! Poetry can remind us of this, so let us continue to champion creativity, empathy and the spaces that allow people to tell their stories.
Five of the commended poets were present at the 2026 gala. Their poems are on a separate page. Here they are with the competition organisers:
Testament, Laura Lotti, Basil Meyer, John Whale, Laura Webb, Ian Harker, Richard Wilcocks, Rehana Minhas, Stephen Woulds.
Testament, Laura Lotti, Basil Meyer, John Whale, Laura Webb, Ian Harker, Richard Wilcocks, Rehana Minhas, Stephen Woulds.
'When Bob Geldof shook Andy Brooks’ hand and said, “I hope you make it,” Andy reflected on what "making it" means to him. To Andy making it isn't about wealth or celebrity. It's about showing up for the people who matter, making peace with yourself, and making a difference in the lives of others'. (Dr Shahnoor Minhas Amin, who took the photos)
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If you're using a mobile, go to the desktop version (dots at the top?) to see the other pages.
