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Aldeburgh First Collection Prize

Judges Michael Laskey (Chair), Jo Shapcott and Neil Rollinson have a tough job on their hands following a record 95 entries to the Aldeburgh First Collection Prize. The Poetry Trust is delighted with the calibre and number and a stunning shortlist announcement is expected on National Poetry Day 7 October 2010. The winner will be announced at the 22nd Aldeburgh Poetry Festival, 5 - 7 November 2010.

Established in 1989, this is one of the most important and long-established poetry prizes in the UK, and the only one to offer a cash prize as well as meaningful professional development. The winner receives £3,000, plus a week’s ‘protected’ writing time and a fee-paying invitation to read at the following year’s Aldeburgh Poetry Festival - a unique opportunity to reach Britain’s largest and most appreciative poetry audience. Over the years the prize has helped launch the careers of poets such as Robin Robertson, Nick Laird and Colette Bryce.

The shortlist will be announced on Tuesday 28 September 2010