Arts + Culture Across
SOUTH EAST NSW
Bega Streetlight Festival
Empower
Growth
2026 Bega Streetlight Festival
When: 5pm - 10pm: Friday 25 September
Where: Carp Street Bega
This illuminated evening brings our townsfolk out into the streets to celebrate creativity and community, and will once again bring together food, music, art and interactive experiences in a celebration that reflects the spirit and creativity of the Bega Valley. South East Arts proudly facilitates the following programs as a part of the Bega Streetlight Festival:
Bega Streetlight Poetry Event
Finalist readings @ Candelo Books
from 6.30pm, Friday 25 September 2026
Bega Streetlight Photography Exhibition
20 finalist photos are printed on vinyl and installed in shopfront windows throughout Carp Street.
Friday 25 Sept > Friday 9 Oct 2026
Photography Exhibition - People's Choice
The photos that received a "Highly Commended" note from the judges have been entered into a People's Choice Voting App - have a look and cast your vote!
Voting open 24 Sept > 9 Oct 2026
2026 Bega Streetlight Poetry Event
The theme for 2026 is
"A Snapshot of Belonging".
As a part of the Festival, South East Arts in Partnership with Candelo Books will once again be running the delightful Bega Streetlight Poetry Event.
Poets of all ages and experience levels are invited to submit an original poem inspired by the theme "A Snapshot of Belonging". Whether it's a place, a moment, a community, a person, or a feeling – we want to hear your reflections on what belonging means in the Bega Valley Shire.
Finalists will perform their poems live at Candelo Books during the Bega Streetlight Festival on the evening of Friday 25 September.
There are two categories:
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14 & Under
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15 & over
Awards:
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Category winners receive a $150 Candelo Books giftcard
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Category runners-up receive a $50 Candelo Books giftcard
Entries are now closed
Bega Streetlight Photo Exhibition
As a part of the Festival, South East Arts is facilitating the hugely popular Bega Streetlight Photography Exhibition.
This year's theme is
"A Snapshot of Belonging".
Entries for the 2026 exhibition closed at 5pm, Monday 24th August.
20 finalist photos will be paid $400 each and be included in the Bega Streetlight Festival Photography Exhibition throughout Carp Street shopfronts.
Finalists will be publicly announced in the days before the Bega Streetlight Festival.
