Crysse Morrison Prize for Poetry
Following the success the inaugural competition in 2023, the Crysse Morrison Prize for Poetry has become an annual highlight of our programme. Best known for her wealth of writing and her love of Frome Festival, Crysse was an inspirational writer who always championed poetry throughout the Festival.
Each year, poets from across the UK are invited to submit their work via the Frome Festival website with cash prizes awarded to the top three winners, alongside a special prize for the best local entry. The competition will be judged by stand-up poet, spoken word artist and broadcaster Kate Fox.
The overall winner also receives a unique, handmade silver lapel pin in the shape of a writing quill, crafted and gifted by local jeweller Christina Oswin.
How to take part
- Purchase your competition place by clicking below and paying the £5 competition fee
- Submit your poem using the online form once you’ve paid your fee.
- Maximum poem length – 40 lines
- Closing Date – Sunday 14th June 2026 @ 5pm
Any queries? Get in touch – office@fromefestival.co.uk
Crysse Morrison
Sponsored by
KATE FOX – JUDGE
Kate Fox is a regular contributor to Radio 4’s spoken word cabaret “The Verb”, has made two comedy series for Radio 4, been Poet in Residence for the Glastonbury Festival and the Great North Run and completed a PhD in stand-up comedy. She is the author of “Where There’s Muck There’s Bras: True Stories of the North of England’s Women” published by Harper North, and poetry collections including “On Sycamore Gap” (Harper North, 2024), “Bigger On the Inside” (Smokestack Books, 2024) and “The Oscillations” (Nine Arches Press, 2021). She was also a judge for the 2023 Forward Poetry Prizes and is a neurodivergent advocate whose latest show “Bigger on the Inside” explores neurodiversity through the lens of Doctor Who.
The Crysse Morrison Prize for Poetry is back for its fourth year, continuing to honour the legacy of the cherished Frome poet and author. Crysse, who sadly passed away in late 2022, was a prolific writer and a mentor to many local poets as well as a huge contributor and supporter of the annual Frome Festival. Her literary talent, infectious energy, and unwavering positivity made her a beloved figure at the heart of the town’s creative community.
In 2023, a close friend of Crysse’s, Rosie Eliot, launched the Poetry Prize as part of the Festival. The inaugural prize-giving event was hosted by popular Scottish stand-up poet, Elvis McGonagall, who was also a friend and collaborator of Crysse. Each year, poets from across the UK are invited to submit their work via the Frome Festival website with cash prizes awarded to the top three winners, alongside a special prize for the best local entry. The overall winner also receives a unique, handmade silver brooch in the shape of a writing quill, crafted and gifted by local jeweller Christina Oswin. Last year’s winner, Glen Wilson, took first place with his poem Barium Swallow, while Tracey Rupp-Rawlins won the local prize for her poem In Care.
2025 – WINNERS AND COMMENDED
Thanks to the many entrants for this year’s competition!
First Prize
Barium Swallow – Glen Wilson
Second Prize
Marmalade – Nat Taplin
Third Prize
Catherine in Heels – Patricia Minson
Local Prize
In Care – Tracey Rupp-Rawlins
L-R: Festival Trustee Rosie Eliot, Local Prize winner Tracey Rupp-Rawlins, Festival Founder and President Martin Bax. Photo: Tori Allison / FWP
2024 – WINNERS AND COMMENDED
Judge – Emma Purshouse
L-R: Judge Emma Purshouse, First Prize winner Ian Royce Chamberlain, Festival Chair Rosie Eliot, Local Prize winner David Thompson, Phil Jackson (Highly Commended) at the Prize-giving event at Bistro Lotte. Photo credit: Tori Allison
First Prize
Good Friday – Ian Royce Chamberlain
Second Prize
Of Settlement. Of Roots – Jane Burn
Third Prize
The Art of Astronomy – Sarah Doyle
Local Prize
The Long Man – David Thompson
Highly Commended
Christine Griffin
Claire Morris
Graeme Ryan
Mark Connors
Carol Caffrey
Dr Jennifer A McGowan
Phil Jackson
2023 – WINNERS AND COMMENDED
Judge – Rosie Jackson
First Prize
Egg – Kathryn Bevis
Second Prize
Song of Ham’s Wife – Jeff Phelps
Third Prize
Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, 1 September 2001 – Tessa Strickland
Local Prize
The Pale Blue Box – Alice Caudle
Highly Commended
My Mother Discharges Me from Worry – Owen Gallagher
Bookends – Sara-Jane Arbury
Commended
Lahore, 2022 – Abby Crawford
Lichfield Angel – Tessa Strickland
St Tudwal in the Field – Christopher James
Holy days – Dillon Jaxx