The McGregor Poetry Festival has grown to be one of the most popular literary festivals in South Africa.
Founder Billy Kennedy says: “Now in its tenth year, we will reflect on our wondrous journey thus far, filled as it was with the exuberant passion and generosity of the many poets who have supported our vision. Once again, the festival will be anchored at Temenos Retreat in McGregor and will celebrate poets, their muses and their creative offerings. Together let us continue to look forward to the poetic path and byways that lie ahead. And we will consider, through poetry, our roles as custodians of wilderness and creation not to mention the need to nurture a certain inner wildness.”
Poetry in McGregor also encourages poets young and old to keep writing. The annual festival poetry competition entries are now open. Entries can be submitted in English and Afrikaans in either the Youth Category for poets aged 7 to 17 years old and the Adult Category for poets aged 18 and older. Please see the website for the competition rules and categories. Be sure to submit your competition entries to coordinator Jane De Sousa by Friday 30 September 2022.
The poems will be judged by external well-known poets, and their decision will be final. Finalists will be published on www.poetryinmcgregor.co.za by 31 October and the prize winners will be announced at the opening event of the festival on 18 November. There are some great cash prizes for the winners:
- Youth Category (7 to 17): first prize: R2500; second prize: R1000; third prize: R500.
- Adult category (18+): there will be two categories: Afrikaans and English. The prizes per category are: first prize: R5000; second prize: R2500; and third prize: R1000.
A note for poets who are interested in participating in the programme this year:
Visit poetryinmcgregor.co.za for info on how to make contact to participate in this year’s festival. The deadline for submissions to participate in the festival is 31 August. You can also mail Jane De Sousa at [email protected] with any questions.
The programme for The Poetry in McGregor Festival 2022 will be announced in September and ticket sales will open in October.
Also read:
How writing poetry can help you heal your mental health according to a psychologist
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