Arts Richmond's Young Writers Festival is back offering young people across the borough the chance to showcase their creativity through poetry and short stories.

The annual competition, open to all children and young people who live or study in Richmond upon Thames, invites entries exploring one of two themes for 2025: "My World" or "Something Extraordinary."

Entrants can submit a short story (up to 500 words) or a poem (up to 25 lines) with one entry per pupil. The deadline for submissions is Friday 5 December 2025.

Entries will be judged in four age categories:

• School Years 4 and under
• School Years 5 and 6
• School Years 7 to 9
• School Years 10 and above

Winning entries in each group will receive prizes, and shortlisted writers will be invited to a special gala awards event at The Exchange Theatre in Twickenham on Sunday 15 March 2026, where their work will be performed on stage by young drama students.

Around 40 pupils will see their stories and poems brought to life in front of a live audience.

A professionally printed anthology featuring all shortlisted work will also be produced and available for sale, celebrating the next generation of Richmond's creative talent.

The festival has also attracted the support of acclaimed author Anthony Horowitz, who recently moved to Richmond.

He said: "I am very happy to be working with Arts Richmond and their Young Writers Festival. I've recently moved to Richmond and love the area – in fact, my recent book is set here.

"I'm always keen to encourage young people to develop their creative skills, and if they're living in this area, there's plenty to inspire them.

"Just walking along the river, in the park or on the green, we're surrounded by history and enchantment – there are stories everywhere. Good luck, and get writing!"

Arts Richmond Young Writers Festival 2025/26 poster (credit: Arts Richmond).

Entry rules

• All work must be original and entirely the entrant's own (no AI assistance).
• Entries must be typed – handwritten entries will be disqualified.
• Do not include names on the entry itself (entries with names will be disqualified).

How to enter

Send entries to:

Arts Richmond Young Writers Festival, ETNA Community Centre, Room 21, 13 Rosslyn Road, Twickenham TW1 2AR. Or email: [email protected].

For more information, visit artsrichmond.org.uk.

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