The Lowry Creative Writing Challenge is open to all Greater Manchester children aged 7 – 11 and will continue to be open to entries until 31 March 2023.
Pupils can draw on all aspects of writing for performance. For example:
Poetry including spoken word, limericks & rap.
Story including fiction & short stories.
Stage Text including solo or group performance, plays for stage & radio.
How to Enter
Please email a digital copy of your Poetry, Story or Stage Text to getcreative@thelowry.com
In the subject header please write- FAO The Lowry Creative Writing Challenge
Include the following information in your email:
- Name and age of child
- Title of work
- Address of child
- Name of teacher, parent, carer, or guardian sending the work
- Name of school or if home educated
- Contact telephone number
- Contact email address
Alternatively, you can post your entries to ‘The Creative Writing Challenge’, The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ. Please enclose a note with the information required as above.
Deadline for submissions 31 March 2023
Rules of Entry
- All Key Stage 2 children aged 7 – 11 from Greater Manchester (living or learning in the GM Region) are eligible to take part
- We advise that entries have a 500-word limit or 3-minute script limit.
- Only one entry per child, per category (Categories are 1. Poetry 2. Story or 3. Stage Text)
- If the entry is from a school, Teachers are welcome to submit an entry from more than one child in their class
- You will only be notified if your child is shortlisted
- The Lowry will be unable to return or keep submissions so please keep your own copy on entering
- By entering, you agree for the entry to be used in any associated publicity by The Lowry
- The shortlisted children agree to attend the Lowry on 18 May 2023 for a celebration event where their work will be presented on stage either by themselves or on their behalf
Winners
A celebration prize giving event celebration prize giving event will be held on 18 May 2023 in The Lowry’s Quays Theatre, with winning entries being performed on stage either by the children who wrote them, or by someone else on their behalf
You could win:
- A chance to perform on the 18 May 2023
- Feedback from professionals on shortlisted works
- Up to £50 of book tokens
- A professional illustration of your creative writing for you to keep
- Tickets to a show at The Lowry for the winners and their families or friends
Meet The Judges
Simon Stephens
“I am thrilled and honoured to be asked to help judge this year’s Creative Writing Challenge…
at The Lowry, a wonderful venue at the heart of my home city that plays an important role in theatre across England. I have worked with young writers all my life. they continually inspire and surprise me. The energy and fearlessness of their imagination is infectious and galvanises me to be more energetic and less afraid. I can’t wait to read their work.”
Emma Rogerson
“I’m really excited to be a judge for The Lowry’s Creative Writing Challenge…
I know from personal experience how valuable these opportunities are, and how transformative they can be. My very first job in theatre was being commissioned to write a script for young people to perform in the North West, so it’s especially lovely to be invited to judge this competition and get to read some fantastic, young, Northern voices. To anyone thinking about entering this competition: Go for it! There’s something so special about writing for performance – it’s such a fun, creative and playful way to express yourself. We’re really excited to hear what you’ve got to say.”
Samantha Giles
“I am thrilled to be a part of the judging panel for this exciting creative writing challenge…
Books are such a wonderful way of losing yourself and escaping from the stresses of modern life and encouraging children to read and engage in their own creative writing is something very close to my heart. I am really looking forward to reading the entries.”
Tony Walsh
“The Lowry stands as a beacon of amazing art, theatre, writing and performance…
across the whole north-west and beyond. As a city, Salford has an enviable legacy of producing amazing writers and performers and there’s no doubt that there’ll be a ton of amazing young talent just waiting to inherit that flame and light up our lives. I’m delighted to be a judge for this important schools competition and I’m thrilled that the Lowry is using its beacon status in such an inspiring way to find and amplify local young voices. To local schools and young people my message is a really simple one: let’s hear you! Get involved!”
Frank Cottrell-Boyce
“If we’ve learnt one thing from the last few years it’s the importance of learning to be happy.
The beginning of creativity is noticing things. The more things you notice the happier and more creative you become. So a creative writing competition is a great way to encourage real creativity – away from the demands of the curriculum. A great opportunity that writing and reading are fun!”
The competition has been made possible thanks to the generous support of Beryl Jones, who along with her husband Trevor is a Gold Patron of The Lowry.
Delivery Partner
Mike Leyland – National Literacy Trust
‘We are delighted to partner with the Lowry on the Creative Writing Challenge. We know from our own research that writing helps children to express themselves with 1 in 2 children saying they write to be creative. We hope this exciting competition will inspire children across Salford with their writing and reading, supporting them to develop the literacy skills they need to succeed in life.’
Learning Resources
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
The Lowry offers creative writing workshops with literacy professionals from poets, storytellers, script writers and more. If you would like to book a workshop for your class please contact getcreative@thelowry.com for further information or visit our Creative Learning page.