National Poetry Day

What is National Poetry Day?

National Poetry Day is the biggest mass celebration of poetry in the UK. It's a nationwide event that encourages people to discover, share and enjoy poetry. This year, National Poetry Day takes place on Thursday 2 October 2025, and the theme is 'play'.

The 2025 theme: 'Play'

The theme of 'play' presents a brilliant opportunity to explore the playful side of poetry, from wordplay and language games to poems about sports, games and recreation. It's a chance to have fun with poetic forms, experiment with performance, and engage students in creative activities that highlight the joy of language.

Resources for your classroom

Here you'll find an engaging collection of resources to help you celebrate National Poetry Day with your classes. From engaging with familiar poems we love, to the creative fulfilment of crafting new works, we're providing inspiration and accessible activities for all ages to use in your school or setting.

Ready to inspire your students with the magic of poetry? Discover our National Poetry Day 2025 teaching ideas and start planning your celebrations today. Make this National Poetry Day a memorable one for your students!