Belfast-born poet Michael Longley dies aged 85, his family says.

Poetry has the power to move, transform, and connect us. This year’s VERVE Poetry Competition brought together voices that explored the art and essence of poetry itself. Centered on the theme of Poets and Poetry and judged by the brilliant Hannah Lowe, the competition drew a dazzling range of entries—each a unique testament to how poetry speaks to, and through, us. We’re thrilled to unveil the winners, commended poets, and long list from a pool of incredible talent! All poems listed here will be