The Wells Festival of Literature Writing Competitions 2026
By: The Wells Festival of LiteratureLast update:
Applicant criteria
NationalityNo specific nationality required
Age
- No specific age required
Gender
- Both
Opportunity criteria
Job locationUnited Kingdom
Deadline2026-06-02
Opportunity description
The Wells Festival of Literature proudly hosts its annual writing competitions, offering aspiring writers and poets the chance to showcase their talents and win substantial monetary awards while gaining literary recognition. Renowned for its dedication to promoting literary works and nurturing emerging talents, the festival provides a prestigious platform for creative expression.
Program Details
- Open Poetry: No theme. Maximum 40 lines. Entry fee: £8. Judge: Clare Shaw. Prizes include £1,000, £500, and £250. £100 for the best local poet entry.
- Young Poets: No theme. Maximum 40 lines. Entry fee: £3. Judge: Julia Webb. Prizes: £200, £150, and £100. Winners receive one year's membership to The Poetry Society.
- Short Story: No theme. Length: 1,000 to 2,000 words. Entry fee: £8. Judge: Carole Burns. Prizes: £750, £300, and £200. £100 for the best local author entry.
- Book for Children: Age range 8 and up, including Young Adults. Submit the first 3 chapters or the first 30 pages, whichever is shorter, with a synopsis. No theme. Entry fee: £8. Judge: Catherine Bruton. Prizes: £750, £300, and £200. £100 for the best local entry.
Benefits
- Cash prizes up to £1,000, £750, £500, and £300 depending on category.
- One-year free membership to The Poetry Society for young winners.
Eligibility criteria
- Adherence to the maximum number of lines or words specified per category.
- Submission of either an electronic or printed version of the literary work as required by each category.
- Payment of the specified entry fees per category.