Richmond’s annual competition encourages local young people to showcase their talent in poetry and short fiction.
The countdown is on for young creatives across Richmond as the deadline approaches for this year’s Arts Richmond Young Writers Festival. Entries must be submitted by Friday 5 December 2025, marking the final chance for children and teenagers to take part in one of the borough’s most celebrated literary traditions.
Open to anyone who lives in or attends a school or club within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, the competition invites budding writers to submit either a short story of up to 500 words or a poem of no more than 25 lines. This year’s themes: “My World” and “Something Extraordinary” give participants room to share their own perspectives, experiences, and imagination.
The festival is divided into four age categories, ranging from primary-aged children to young adults in Year 10 and above. All submissions are judged by a specialist panel, with winners in each group receiving prizes. Importantly, the competition celebrates more than just the top entries: around 40 shortlisted pieces are selected to feature in one of the festival’s most cherished traditions.
On Sunday 15 March 2026, shortlisted writers and their families will be invited to a gala awards event at The Exchange Theatre in Twickenham, where their work will be performed on stage by young drama students. For many participants, seeing their poetry or storytelling interpreted live in a theatre setting becomes a standout milestone in their creative journey.
In addition, Arts Richmond produces a professionally printed anthology featuring all shortlisted entries, giving young authors the thrill of seeing their work published, some for the very first time.
The festival also upholds strict rules to ensure fairness and authenticity: entries must be typed and entirely the student’s own work, with handwritten submissions and any work containing identifying details such as the writer’s name automatically disqualified. This year, organisers are also making expectations explicit regarding originality, noting: “No AI please!” as artificial intelligence–generated writing will not be accepted.
Now in yet another successful year, the Young Writers Festival continues to champion literacy, creativity and confidence across Richmond’s younger generations, offering a platform for self-expression and a chance to see individual voices celebrated in print and on stage.
Entries can be submitted either by post to:
Arts Richmond Young Writers Festival
ETNA Community Centre Room 21
13 Rosslyn Road
Twickenham
TW1 2AR
or via email at YWentries@artsrichmond.org.uk.
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