The Forward Prizes for Poetry are an unmissable fixture in the literary calendar – a celebration for all who want to discover the best contemporary poetry. This year, Durham Book Festival is delighted to host the announcement of the prizes for the first time.  

Twenty outstanding poets will be invited to take the mic and perform their work, delivering the perfect mix-tape of what’s happening in the poetry scene, published in the UK and Ireland, today.   

The Forward Prizes recognise achievement in four categories: Best Collection; The Felix Dennis Prize for Best First Collection; Best Single Poem – Written, and Best Single Poem – Performed.  

Hosted by author, performer and poet, Joelle Taylor and featuring the poet Kayo Chingonyi and BBC Radio 6 Music’s Craig Charles.