From personal and familial histories to archaeological and religious sites; from immigrant arrivals to urban regeneration, Blue Nose invites poems on any aspect of London and its culture, past or present for this new competition.

Entrants are encouraged to use the galleries and library of the Museum of London as a source of inspiration. However, this is an international competition and entries are welcome from any town or country - providing poems are about London, UK. Entries may be based on the experience of living, working or staying in the city, or the London of literature, film or art. Entrants between the ages of 11 and 16 should look at our Young Writers' Section.

Prizes: £1000 prize fund

• All short-listed poets will be invited to an Award Ceremony on Thursday 11 November 1999 at the Museum of London, where the winners will be announced. The event will include readings of specially commissioned poems by writers including UA Fanthorpe, Jo Shapcott and Selima Hill. The commissions form part of a Poetry Place, supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of England
• Winning poems will be published on the Museum of London website
• One of the winners may be awarded the The Blue Nose Bursary: This prize will be awarded to a poet from London, enabling them to attend a Blue Nose writing weekend at the Abbey in Sutton Courtenay. These courses offer the opportunity for both beginner and experienced poets to write in a relaxed and supportive environment. The award will cover travel from London, accommodation, meals, all workshops, readings & personal tuition.

 Sue Hubbard is an art critic, poet and contemporary arts lecturer. She reviews for numerous magazines and is the Poetry Society's Public Art Poet. Her first collection Everything Begins with the Skin is published by Enitharman. Mario Petrucci won the New London Writers Award and is an Arvon tutor. His debut collection, Shrapnel and Sheets was a PBS Recommendation.

Michael Launchbury is Assistant Director of the Museum of London and is on the Board of community publishers Corridor Press. Cathy Ross is the Head of the Later London department at the Museum and a writer.

To enter the competition: read the entry conditions, print off an entry form and then post it with your poems and fee to Blue Nose Poets, 61 Athelstan House, London E9 5PH, UK - your envelope must be postmarked by 6^th August 1999.

For an entry form to the '2000 Years of London' Young Poets Competition (for 11-16 year olds), click here.

If you wish to visit the library at the Museum of London, please call in advance to make an appointment: 0171 814 5588. DO NOT call the Museum with general enquiries about this competition.

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