2025 Bega Streetlight Festival Poetry Competition
Call for Poems
Poets of all levels are invited to take part in the Bega Streetlight Festival Poetry Cometition 2025.
In 1979, Denis Gallagher published “Country Country”, documenting small, vivid events along Carp Street.
“…colour TV sets flicker in unison at Roy Howard’s…
a white horse is tied to a no parking sign…
the nursing home appeal makes a dollar…”
Carp Street has always been changing — through millennia, moments, and memories.
Now it’s your turn.
To celebrate life along Carp Street today, write a poem about the moments and places that hold meaning for you.
Finalists recite their poems at Candelo Books on Friday, 24 October as part of 2025 Bega Streetlight Festival
Entry guidelines
Eligibility:
There are two (2) categories:
14 year and under
15 years and over
* under 18’s must provide guardian consent
Theme:
We encourage poems that celebrate life along Carp Street today. Write a poem about the moment and places that hold significance for you.
Entry fees:
It is free to enter.
Judging process
A blind judging panel selects 10 finalists. All judging decisions are final. Finalists will be offered an opportunity to recite their poem on Festival night at Candelo Books on Carp St.
The following will be awarded:
15 and over: winner and runner up
14 and under: winner and runner up
Winner and runner up in 15 and over category offered the opportunity to publish their work in the South Coast Writers Centre yearly anthology.
Poem requirements:
Submit poems in PDF file format. AI-generated work will not be accepted.
How to enter
Prepare one (1) original work inspired by Carp Street, Bega.
Complete the entry form.
Submit by midnight on Friday, 3 October, 2025. — and see your work light up Carp Street during the 2025 Bega Streetlight Festival!
Copyright & permissions
Poets retain copyright. By entering, you grant South East Arts, Bega Valley Shire Council, Bega Chamber of Commerce and the Bega Streetlight Festival a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to exhibit and promote your work in print and digital formats for non-commercial festival promotion and reporting.
Terms & Conditions
For questions or support: seainfo@southeastarts.org.au
About the Bega Streetlight Festival
The 2025 Bega Streetlight Festival is a collaboration between Bega Valley Shire Council, Bega Chamber of Commerce and South East Arts; proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW.
Entries close
5pm, Friday 3rd October, 2025
The 2025 Bega Streetlight Festival will light up Carp Street and your poem could illuminate its true character!
Image CC license some rights reserved by Don Shearman.
