International Welsh Poetry Competition - Open For Entries

PONTYPRIDD, Wales - Jan. 27, 2025 - PRLog -- How many people know that the world-famous International Welsh Poetry Competition began life in a small, independent pub, tucked away down a quiet side street in Pontypridd?  Founded by Welsh poet Dave Lewis in 2007 the contest has been run and organised from the town ever since. It is now in its nineteenth year and is the biggest poetry competition in Wales!

Famous Welsh writer, filmmaker and environmental activist John Evans has played a big part.  He judged the first two years and has returned on four other occasions. Other judges have included Sally Spedding, twice winner herself and a respected crime novelist.  Celebrated children's writer Eloise Williams and Cardigan-based Bridport Prize winner Kathy Miles can also be counted amongst the competition's excellent judges.  This year, one of Wales' best poets, Cardiff City fan Mike Jenkins, returns for his third time at the helm.

But why do writers from all over the world love this humble contest that began life as a drunken conversation between Dave Lewis and John Evans at one o'clock in the morning? Maybe, it has an honesty and integrity you rarely find elsewhere.  Unlike many competitions, your poems are judged anonymously and no filter judges are used.  This means a complete beginner can compete against a seasoned veteran.  A successful, traditionally published author can fight it out with a newly self-published blogger.

"We offer true equality," says organizer Dave Lewis. "In a time when corporate greed and influence seem to infect every aspect of our lives and ruin the opportunity for the little guy to succeed the Welsh Poetry Competition is a rare beacon of hope," he continues.

The competition organizer, Dave Lewis, shuns the limelight however.  A well-respected poet himself he continues to self-publish his often avant-garde work rather than seek acceptance from the mainstream.  He also organises the Poetry Book Awards, a contest that seeks to help discover small indie poets and publishers.

This year's judge, Mike Jenkins, needs no introduction, being one of Wales' top poets, famous for his lively performances and writing workshops.  He has performed at the Hay Festival, won an Eric Gregory Award from the Society of Authors and has co-edited Red Poets for 30 years, an annual magazine of left-wing poetry from Wales and beyond.

With entrants from over 40 countries having taken part in the past this year promises to be no different and with £500 on offer to the winner, plus many other prizes for the chosen runners-up, the International Welsh Poetry Competition will once again punch above its weight in the literary calendar.

https://www.welshpoetry.co.uk