Forward Prize Poets 2022

The Forward Poetry Prizes are some of the most exciting in the UK. Taking place annually, poets are awarded from three categories: Prize for Best Collection, the Felix Dennis Prize for Best First Collection, and Best Single Poem.

The 2022 shortlist is an elegant and powerful selection of the UK’s best and brightest poetry. Push the Boat Out is delighted to bring to our stage three poets, one from each category, with Anthony Joseph shortlisted for Best Collection, Holly Hopkins for Best First Collection, and Cecilia Knapp for Best Single Poem. Each poet brings a special, sharp vibrancy to the stage, whether it’s the musicality of Joseph’s work, the visceral eye of Hopkins’ poetry, or the fresh grief of Knapp’s verse.

This performance and reading event will be chaired by Forward Prize judge, Nadine Aisha Jassat.