Martin Parker
Your host for the night will be Martin Parker of the Plough Poets and Musicians who meet monthly in Torrington for the Open Mike Poetry Night at The Plough Arts Centre. Martin a published poet will be judging the 2007 Festival Poetry Competition. His work has appeared in a variety of national publications, including The Spectator, The Oldie and the Sunday Telegraph as well as in several specifically poetry publications and webzines. His lighter verse can be sampled -- and even ordered -- through www.martinparker-verse.co.uk Martin is also a prize-winning short story writer.

Festival Poetry Event - Thursday 16th August 8pmThis year's poetry event takes place aboard the historic sailing ship, Kathleen & May. There will be a charge of £3 to go aboard on the night. All of this money will be going to fund the work to preserve the ship for future generations. There will be a licensed bar.

The evening will give a chance for experienced poets as well as near-beginners to read their work in an informal and friendly atmosphere. Though some reading slots may be available on the night on a first-come-first -served basis, it is hoped poets will book theirs in advance by telephoning Martin Parker on 01805-601275

Music
There will be short interludes of music provided by regular musicians amongst them Kevin Aram a musician I much admire who has played at every Bideford Festival.

Entry to the Poetry Competition closes on Monday 30th July

Bideford Folk Festival Poetry Competition

Become our Folk Festival Poet for 2007

Click for last years winning poems

First Prize: £50 BOOK TOKEN and the David Wyre "Tappit Hen Tankard"

Second Prize: £25 Book Token

Third Prize: £10 Book Token

The winner of the competition will be declared at the Folk Festival Poetry Evening on August 16th 2007.

Rules of entry:

2] Entries should be typed, single spaced on one side of a sheet of A4 paper in plain font, with a left margin of 1” (2.5cms), with no poet identification. If you don’t have access to a typewriter/computer please print neatly on A4 ruled paper with similar left margin.

3] Poet's name, address and telephone number/email address with poem title(s) on a separate A4 sheet of paper.

4] Poems must be an original work, unpublished and must not have won a prize in any other poetry competition.

5] Please keep a copy of your entered work as we cannot be responsible for the return of entries. Unfortunately the organisers cannot enter into any correspondence.

6] Copyright remains with the author however Bideford Folk Festival reserves the right to display the winning entries on Bideford Folk Festival website.

7] Last date for receipt of entries is; Monday 30th July 2007.

8] The Judge's decision will be final.

9] There is no limit to the number of poems you may submit but the Judges will only award one prize per person. Cost of entry Per poem £2.00. The entry fee can be paid by cheque or postal order.

Please make cheques made payable to: Bideford Folk Festival. Entries should be sent to:

Bideford Folk Festival Poetry Competition, 32 Tennacott Heights, East the Water, Bideford Devon EX39 4DH
(Tel: 01237 - 473931)

The ethic of Bideford Folk festival is participation. We will ask short-listed poets to read their poem at the Festival Poetry Evening. We will notify all short listed poets in advance. If you are not available at that time to read we will arrange a reader on your behalf. Please bring a copy of your poem with you.

The results of the competition will be posted on the festival website Poetry Page, in September 2007