Watch Roger McGough recite his Global Scouse Day poem

Poet Roger McGough launches search for UK’s next top wordsmith with funny poem – Global Scouse Day.

Legendary poet Roger McGough has penned a fun ode to Liverpool as he launches the search for Britain’s next top poet – just in time for Global Scouse Day. Wishing the poem he comically describes how Liverpool’s famous dish is enjoyed all around the world.

Roger, 80, is one of Britain’s best-loved poets and has been honoured with a CBE for services to literature and the Freedom of the City of Liverpool. To launch the Liverpool Gin Poetry Prize he wrote the special poem -Global Scouse Day in honour of the city’s famous dish.

In Roger’s inimitable style, the poem is funny, clever and will hopefully bring a smile to many Liverpudlians and non-scousers the world over. The poem also marks 10 years since the city was awarded Capital of Culture.

McGough said: “Liverpool is renowned for its great poets and lyricists and it’s time to find more. There will be a lot of hidden talent out there and it’s fantastic to have the Liverpool Gin competition to bring it out into the open. Don’t forget, there are many different styles of poetry so it would be very hard to get it wrong; just trust your instincts and let your creativity flow.”

Liverpool Gin’s Leanne Ware said: “Roger McGough, Adrian Henri and Brian Patten first found fame for their poetry in The Mersey Sound and it would be fantastic to find another Liverpudlian poet of their ilk. We expect to hear from people of all abilities, writing everything from classical to contemporary and everything in between, so don’t miss out on your chance to show us what you’ve got.”

The Liverpool Gin Prize is seeking original pieces of work from people all over the UK aged 18 and over, no longer than 200 words long, full information and submissions go to www.liverpoolgin.com/poetry

Entries must be received by midnight on Monday 30 April 2018. A shortlist of 50 poems will be selected by Liverpool Gin to be read by Roger McGough, who will pick three finalists including a winner. Names to be announced on National Poetry Day – 4 October. Prizes will be presented at the Liverpool Gin distillery by Roger McGough himself during a cultural weekend in Liverpool for the winner.