Celebrate National Poetry Day

National Poetry Day is a UK-wide celebration of poetry, taking place on 5th October 2023, and our theme is Refuge.

Over the years we’ve had poetry in schools, poetry in burger vans, poetry on the news, poetry on the side of buildings, poetry strapped to the legs of carrier pigeons, and much much more.

All we ask on the day is that you celebrate poetry, and use the hashtag #NationalPoetryDay to let us know about it. Below are some suggestions and links to help you get started.

Read a poem

We have showcased a selection of poems on the National Poetry Day theme to get you inspired.

And don't forget, we always like to know what you’re reading and enjoying. Tell us using the hashtag #NationalPoetryDay.

Write a poem

What better motivation to write a poem than to have your work shared with and celebrated by others? Head to our competitions page to find the right opportunity for you.

Share a poem

Send a poem to a friend or loved one. Or use #NationalPoetryDay to share any poems more widely.

Find an event near you

If you want to see a reading or performance, or want to take part in a workshop, see what's on near you with our online events listing. If you can't find the event you want, why not run your own? Download our poster to help promote it!

Write a Haiku (and have it made into a Film)

The Hot Poets are inviting people to submit and share their haiku poetry through social media - eight themes over the next eight weeks, starting with REFUGE. 50 of the best contributions, each week, will be turned into films for COP '23.

Schools

Check out our Toolkit for Schools, packed full of easy resources and inspiration to help you celebrate the day.

Visit your local library or bookshop

Libraries and bookshops across the country are celebrating National Poetry Day. Pop in to see what is going on. If you are a librarian, or bookseller, check out our libraries and bookshops toolkit.

Poetry in the workplace

Many organisations over the years have celebrated with us. We've had social media take-overs; lunchtime readings; poem-a-thons and much more. Think about how you could bring poetry into your workplace this National Poetry Day.

Let us know how you get on.

National Poetry Day celebrations have got bigger and bigger each year, with more and more people joining in.

Let us know what you get up to using #NationalPoetryDay so that we share your successes with all our supporters.