Aldeburgh First Collection Prize 2010 - open for entries

The Poetry Trust invites submissions from publishers or individual poets for the prestigious Aldeburgh First Collection Prize. Established in 1989, this is one of the most important poetry prizes in the UK and the first to recognise and support a poet at first collection stage. It is the only award offering a cash prize as well as significant professional development.

The Prize:

·         £3000 cash prize
·         a week’s ‘protected’ writing time on the inspirational East Suffolk coast
·         a fee-paying invitation to read at the 2011 Aldeburgh Poetry Festival – a unique opportunity to reach Britain’s largest and most appreciate poetry audience

'The Aldeburgh First Collection Prize is a valuable validation for any poet at the beginning of their career' Robin Robertson, Winner 1997 - A Painted Field (Picador)

'Fortifies the you that has to go back to your desk and face down the blank page' Nick Laird, Winner 2005 - To A Fault (Faber)

'Winning the Aldeburgh Prize felt like someone giving me the thumbs up and saying ‘Yes, keep on’. Colette Bryce, Winner 2000 - The Heel of Bernadette (Picador)

Deadline for entries: 31 July 2010  

For full details please visit : www.thepoetrytrust.org/aldeburgh-first-collection-prize/2010_prize