Arts + Culture Across
SOUTH EAST NSW
Bega Streetlight Festival
The annual Bega Streetlight Festival will be held this year from 5pm on Friday, 25 September 2026.
This illuminated evening brings our townsfolk out into the streets to celebrate creativity and community, and will once again bring together food, music, art and interactive experiences in a celebration that reflects the spirit and creativity of the Bega Valley.
The Bega Streetlight Festival is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW.
This event is a collaboration between Bega Valley Shire Council, Bega Chamber of Commerce and South East Arts.
Bega Streetlight Poetry Event
Finalist readings @ Candelo Books, Friday 25 September 2026
As a part of the Festival, South East Arts in Partnership with Candelo Books will once again be running the delightful Bega Streetlight Poetry Event.
The theme for 2026 is
"A Snapshot of Belonging".
Poets of all ages and experience levels are invited to submit an original poem inspired by the theme "A Snapshot of Belonging". Whether it's a place, a moment, a community, a person, or a feeling – we want to hear your reflections on what belonging means in the Bega Valley Shire.
Finalists will perform their poems live at Candelo Books during the Bega Streetlight Festival on the evening of Friday 25 September.
There are two categories:
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14 & Under
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15 & over
Awards:
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Category winners receive a $150 Candelo Books giftcard
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Category runners-up receive a $50 Candelo Books giftcard
Entries are now closed
2026 Bega Streetlight Photo Exhibition
As a part of the Festival, South East Arts will once again be facilitating the hugely popular Bega Streetlight Photography Exhibition.
This year's theme is
"A Snapshot of Belonging".
Entries for the 2026 exhibition closed at 5pm, Monday 24th August.
20 finalist photos will be paid $400 each and be included in the Bega Streetlight Festival Photography Exhibition throughout Carp Street shopfronts.
Finalists will be publicly announced in the days before the Bega Streetlight Festival.
