Dust off your trochees, exercise those iambs - it is time to enter the Academi Cardiff International Poetry Competition 2003. Open to anyone, of any age, writing in English and submitting an unpublished poem of no more than 50 lines, the competition now offers a first prize of pound;5,000. The poets Carol Ann Duffy and Roger Garfitt will judge the entries. It costs pound;5 to enter each poem and the closing date is January 6. Information and entry forms: www.academi.org or 02920 472266.

Inside story

On September 21 and 22, more than 500 buildings in Greater London not usually open to the public will offer free access to their innermost secrets. Visit grand public buildings such as the new City Hall on the South Bank or Portcullis House in Westminster, commercial properties such as Alexandra Palace and Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, as well as local landmarks such as West Norwood Cemetery, Upminster windmill, and Millennium primary school and health centre in Greenwich - curvaceous, larch-clad and incorporating energy-saving features. Some buildings will host special events. Information: www.londonopenhouse.org.

Thesps’ delight

Pass on the good news to family and students in York that young people between the ages of 12 and 20 can join the new York Youth Theatre, attached to the Theatre Royal. The company’s first production, Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant, can be sampled tonight and tomorrow. Tickets: 01904 658162.

Virtual migrants

Try interacting with new digital artworks on the themes of migration and globalisation in the Terminal Frontiers exhibition at Castlefield Gallery, Manchester. Until October 13. Information: 0161 832 8034.