** Voting is now CLOSED. Please DO NOT vote, as your vote will not be counted. Thank you to the hundreds and hundreds of you who took the time to read this year’s ten shortlisted poems on the theme of TIME & PLACE- we had an overwhelming response worldwide within the three-day voting window. Your six points are currently being tallied up to reveal the Winner (awarded by public vote).**

This year’s Bangor Poetry Competition’s WINNER, RUNNER Up, Highly Commended and Commended Poets will be announced at Aspects Literary Festival tomorrow. Please do join us at this gorgeous free event to celebrate and support these talented writers who will be reading their shortlisted poems.

Last year’s competition winner Kendra Reynolds will also be reading some of her poetry for us; Inge and Anna from Maeshine will be providing us with stunning music… and there will be complimentary refreshments and some sweet treats upon arrival. Tickets are totally FREE of charge… and the event is set in the beautiful surroundings of Bangor Castle’s Chamber Room. We cannot wait to see you all there: GET YOUR FREE TICKETS HERE before they run out: Bring family and friends- We would love to see you! https://aspectsfestival.com/whats-on/12th-bangor-poetry-competition-and-launch-issue-23-bangor-literary-journal

Love- Amy & Paul

**

We are delighted to showcase the ten poems on the theme of TIME AND PLACE which made it onto this year’s Bangor Poetry Competition shortlist. Each poem is displayed below in our online gallery and the winner will be selected by public vote. Each shortlisted poet will be invited to read at the awards ceremony at Bangor Castle on Sunday 5th October at 3pm which is part of Aspects Literary Festival, where the winner will be announced. Get your free ticket to this wonderful event, refreshments served: https://aspectsfestival.com/whats-on/12th-bangor-poetry-competition-and-launch-issue-23-bangor-literary-journal

Voting for the ten shortlisted poems opens at 9pm on Wednesday 1st October 2025 and closes at midnight on Friday 3rd October 2025 on The Bangor Literary Journal Website.

Instructions:

-Read the 10 shortlisted poems.

-Select your first, second and third favourite poems.

-Complete and submit the online voting form at the bottom of this page.

–Votes are strictly one vote per person and a full name, email and postcode is required for your vote to be valid. Your slip will only be counted if you make three different selections- the winner is decided on a points system. First vote= 3 points/ Second vote= 2 points/ Third vote= 1 point.

12th Annual Poetry Competition: GALLERY OF SHORTLISTED POEMS

Complete the form

to vote for your three favourite poems. You must vote for THREE DIFFERENT (1st/2nd/3rd) poems and complete all parts of the voting form for your vote to be counted.