We are delighted to announce the Winner of this year’s Bangor Poetry Competition as part of Aspects Literary Festival.

Kendra Reynolds’ stunning poem ‘a reclaiming’ was awarded First Place.

This year’s Runner Up went to Ben Keatinge for his poem ‘Candles’.

Jean Tuomey’s ‘Walks with a Gardener’ was Highly Commended; and Stephanie Conn’s poem ‘Blue House’ was Commended in this year’s competition.

Congratulations to each of the shortlisted poets this year, the standard was nothing short of exceptional.

Over 800 public votes were cast, and we want to thank everybody who took the time to read the ten poems and select your top three.

Congratulations Kendra! We are looking forward to featuring you in The Bangor Literary Journal in 2025.

You can read the prize winning poem ‘a reclaiming’ below.