The 2025 Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival Songwriting Competition is open! Songs must be on a maritime theme (oceans, rivers, lakes, ships, sailors etc.). All types of songs are welcome: chanteys, traditional-style ballads, contemporary style, historical or modern narratives, humorous, etc.

Lyrics must be original; original music is preferred (and may be scored higher) but borrowed melodies (especially from traditional sources) are allowed.

This year, just ONE entry per songwriter. There will be a single overall winner, but there will also be songs recognized in different categories depending on the volume and styles of the entries.

Deadline is July 14, 2025.

Send songs as MP3 files along with lyrics and any other pertinent info to nicknoble@wicn.org

Winners will play winning song live at the Festival on September 27 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.