Kids Express 2010 poetry competition for school aged children 8-12 and 13-17, is now open for submissions.

Kids Express is part of Poets Express, a celebration of performance poetry, and for 2010 a special night is planned. All short listed entries (to be announced in June 2010) will have the opportunity to perform their poem on stage in Bantry, West Cork. First place winners will receive an engraved Kids Express trophy and award certificate.

Poems must be in English, any style, up to 60 lines. Only one poem may be submitted, and must be the original work of the entrant; they should be typed on A4 paper, one side only, and should not have been published or accepted for publication elsewhere. Poems that have won, or been in the prize lists, of previous competitions are not eligible. Entries are open to any nationality from any country.

A completed application form must accompany all entries. Any entries received without a completed application form will be disqualified. Application forms can be requested by e-mailing PoetsExpress@darkworld.com.

The submission deadline is 15 April 2010, and there is no fee to enter.

Sponsored by Dark World International, Planet Mythos Video, and Poets Express, Kids Express will be expanded to an entire evening of entertainment in July 2010. This will be an all ages show, and admission to the night is free. Showcase performance poets will be appearing as special guests. This event is scheduled to be recorded for internet release.

Visit Poets Express on MySpace, or e-mail PoetsExpress@darkworld.com for more information.