International Writing Competitions Open for Major Cash Prizes in UK 2026
Applicant criteria
- No specific age required
- Both
Opportunity criteria
Opportunity description
Competition Overview
The Wells Festival of Literature proudly introduces the 2026 International Writing Competitions aimed at encouraging widespread participation from creatives across the globe.
Financial Benefits and Coverage
The competitions offer generous cash prizes, with the Grand Prize in the Open Poetry Competition awarded as follows:
£1,000 for first place
£500 for second place
£250 for third place
A special local winner prize of £100
Youth Poetry Competition:
£200 for first place
£150 for second place
£100 for third place
Short Story Competition:
£750 for first place
£300 for second place
£200 for third place
Children’s Book Competition:
£750 for first place
£300 for second place
£200 for third place
Eligibility Requirements
Poems must not exceed 35 lines, while short stories should be between 1,000 and 2,000 words in length.
Available Fields of Study
The competitions are open to all interested in literary writing, regardless of their artistic or literary specialization.
How to Apply Step by Step
- Visit the Wells Festival's official website to access the application form.
- Register through the online portal and pay the entry fee specific to each category.
- Submit entries before the deadline on 30th June 2026.
Benefits
- Cash prize of £1,000 for the winner of the Open Poetry Competition.
- Cash prize of £200 for the winner of the Young Poets' Competition .
- A cash prize of £750 for the winner of the Children’s Book Competition.
- A cash prize of £750 for the winner of the Short Story Writing Competition.
Eligibility criteria
- Poems should not exceed 35 lines.
- Short stories must range between 1,000 and 2,000 words.
- The works must be original and previously unpublished.
- Participation is open to all nationalities, provided that the texts are written in English.