Westminster Abbey Institute is inviting serving members of the armed forces and veterans to submit original poetry reflecting their experiences of service, deployment, and conflict.
Entries will be read and reviewed by an esteemed panel including the Dean of Westminster, the Very Revd Dr David Hoyle; film and theatre director, Josie Rourke; spoken-word producer, Amelia Richards; and Head of Strategy for BFBS Creative, Sarah Clifford. Selected writers will be invited to attend A Call to Words: An evening exploring poetry in wartime, taking place on Wednesday 26th November from 6:30pm – 8:30pm at Westminster Abbey, and shortlisted poems will be displayed in Poets’ Corner that evening.
The event is part of the Institute’s Autumn Series and is set to be an evocative evening exploring the enduring value of war poetry, curated by spoken-word producer Amelia Richards and film and theatre director Josie Rourke. From the poets of historic campaigns to the words being written today, this live performance and conversation will reveal how poetry can resource, renew, and give voice to those who face conflict and its legacies. Live actors and speakers soon to be announced for the event will bring to life the power of language to capture the experience of war and shape remembrance.
Dr Edge Watchorn, Director at Westminster Abbey Institute, said: “Poetry can give voice to the realities of conflict in a deeply poignant, personal way. By inviting serving members of the armed forces and veterans to share their own powerful words, we hope to honour their experiences. A display of their words in the iconic setting of Poets’ Corner will show how poetry can offer strength, reflection, and remembrance to all.”
The Institute’s Autumn Series is part of a wider programme of thought-provoking events running throughout the year. It aims to foster meaningful discussions on public life’s biggest questions, with inspiring speakers exploring ethics, moral leadership and societal values in the historic setting of the Abbey – where the fallen of the two World Wars are remembered and where some of our greatest poets are honoured.
If you are currently serving in the armed forces or a veteran you are warmly encouraged to submit a poem by emailing institute@westminster-abbey.org, including your name and details of your service background. If you would prefer your poem to be read and reviewed anonymously, please indicate this in your email. The deadline for submissions is 9.00am on Monday 3rd November.
Support resources are available for those who may be affected by the subject matter. Please visit Armed Forces Support Line 0800 323 4444 for Service personnel and their Families or Combat Stress Helpline 0800 138 1619 for Veterans. Text 07537 173 683 or email helpline@combatstress.org.uk.
