Ipswich Poetry Feast

The Ipswich Poetry Feast is a prestigious annual literary event begun in 2003. Sponsored by the Ipswich City Council, the competition aims to encourage the writing of poetry and raise community awareness of this literary art through an annual international showcase event highlighting the vibrant and rich cultural diversity of the region.

The competition now in its fifth year has since gained international status. Prizes include an Open (adult) Age and a School Age category.

Background

In the past century, Ipswich has been home to several celebrated poets and artists. This tradition is celebrated with the Ipswich Poetry Feast. Incorporated in the feast is an international poetry writing competition and a vibrant program of poetry related activities aimed at all residents of the region.

The festivities include the Official Launch, Poetry Writing Workshops, the International Poetry Competition, and Poetry Performance showcase. The Ipswich Poetry Feast also provides assistance to events like the Bush Poets' Performance and the annual Ipswich Country Music Festival and the Poetry Slam in the lead up to the Woodford Folk Festival.

Awards - Open Category

2007 Award Winners

* Other Poetry: First Prize - Matthew Adams for "To Tom Waits" [http://www.ipswichpoetryfeast.com.au/2007/winnersother.htm read poem]
* Local Poetry: First Prize - Julie Lynch for "Triads" [http://www.ipswichpoetryfeast.com.au/2007/winnerslocal.htm read poem]
* Bush Poetry: First Prize - Noel Stallard for "The Garden Club" [http://www.ipswichpoetryfeast.com.au/2007/winnersbush.htm read poem]

2006 Award Winners

* Other Poetry: First Prize - John Egan for "Wind" [http://www.ipswichpoetryfeast.com.au/2006/winnersother.htm read poem]
* Local Poetry: First Prize - Julie Lynch for "Just a Jetty" [http://www.ipswichpoetryfeast.com.au/2006/winnerslocal.htm read poem]
* Bush Poetry: First Prize - Valerie Read for "Our Heritage Home" [http://www.ipswichpoetryfeast.com.au/2006/winnersbush.htm read poem]

2005 Award Winners

* Other Poetry: First Prize - Patricia Lee for "Salt Box Eyes' [http://www.ipswichpoetryfeast.com.au/2005/winnersother.htm read poem]
* Bush Poetry: First Prize - Julie Lynch for "The Ballad of Lazarus, The Cane Toad" [http://www.ipswichpoetryfeast.com.au/2005/winnersbush.htm read poem]

2004 Award Winners

* Other Poetry: First Prize - Denis Kevans for "Dots Before the Eyes" [http://www.ipswichpoetryfeast.com.au/2004/winnersother.htm read poem]
* Bush Poetry: First Prize - Trevor Sweeney for "Old Bushy" [http://www.ipswichpoetryfeast.com.au/2004/winnersbush.htm read poem] ]

2003 Award Winners

* Other Poetry: First Prize - Margaret Alborough Telfer for "Downunder" [http://www.ipswichpoetryfeast.com.au/winnersother.htm read poem]
* Bush Poetry: First Prize - Trevor Sweeney for "The Bloody Tractor" [http://www.ipswichpoetryfeast.com.au/winnersbush.htm read poem]

External links

* [http://www.ipswichpoetryfeast.com.au/2006/winners.htm Winners 4th Annual Competition]

References

* [http://www.ipswichpoetryfeast.com.au/background.htm Ipswich Poetry Feast - Background]
* [http://www.woodfordfolkfestival.com/ The Woodford Folk Festival]