New Children’s Writing Contest Kicks Off in Bury 2026

Key Points

• Bury Mayor Councillor Jane Nichols launched the ‘Bury Young Voices 2026’ writing competition on February 19, 2026, targeting children aged 7-14.
• Open to all primary and secondary pupils in Bury and surrounding Greater Manchester areas.
• Theme: ‘My Future Bury’ – stories, poems, or essays on dreams for the town.
• Entries due by June 30, 2026; winners announced at Bury Town Hall ceremony in September.
• Prizes include £500 book vouchers, publishing opportunities, and meetings with local authors.
• Supported by Bury Council, local schools, and sponsors like Waterstones and Manchester Libraries.
• Aims to boost literacy rates amid national concerns over declining reading skills.
• Mayor Nichols stated: “This competition will ignite imaginations and give our children a voice.”
• Over 1,000 entries expected based on previous years’ success.
• Free workshops planned in libraries and schools starting March 2026.
• Judging panel features award-winning authors from the region.
• Part of broader council literacy drive following 2025 school reports.

Bury(Manchester Mirror) February 19, 2026 – Bury Mayor Councillor Jane Nichols today unveiled the Bury Young Voices 2026 children’s writing competition, inviting thousands of schoolchildren across Greater Manchester to submit creative works on the theme ‘My Future Bury’. The initiative, launched at a vibrant ceremony in Bury Town Hall, promises prizes, workshops, and a platform for young talent amid efforts to tackle falling literacy levels. Local schools have hailed it as a vital boost for budding authors.

What Is the Bury Young Voices 2026 Competition?

The competition targets children aged 7 to 14 from Bury’s 45 primary schools and nearby secondaries in Greater Manchester. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Manchester Mirror, entries can be stories up to 1,000 words, poems of 40 lines, or essays imagining Bury’s future. “We want every child to dream big,” Mayor Nichols told the gathered pupils and teachers.

Workshops kick off in March at Bury Central Library and partner schools, led by local authors. Judging by a panel including Carnegie Medal nominee Lisa Milton and Bury’s poet laureate, ensures fair selection. Winners get £500 in book vouchers from Waterstones, plus a professional edit and publication in a 2026 anthology.

Why Did the Mayor Launch This Writing Competition?

Literacy concerns drove the launch, following 2025 reports of Bury pupils lagging national averages. According to Tom Hargreaves of Bury Times, Mayor Nichols said: “Our children face a world of challenges; writing hones their voices and skills for tomorrow.” The event aligns with Bury Council’s £2m literacy pledge, partnering with Manchester City Council.

Previous contests in 2024 and 2025 drew 800 entries, with winners like 11-year-old Aisha Khan published regionally. Nichols emphasised inclusivity: “No child left out – free entry, support for all abilities.” Sponsors Waterstones and Northern Rail cited community impact as key.

Who Can Enter the Children’s Writing Competition?

All Bury pupils in years 3 to 9 qualify, plus homeschoolers with proof of residence. As detailed by Emma Patel of Greater Manchester News, submissions are digital via bury.gov.uk/writing2026 or post to Town Hall. Categories split by age: 7-10 juniors, 11-14 seniors. Teachers must endorse entries, but parents can assist younger ones.

No fee applies; accessibility aids like dyslexia-friendly formats available. Over 50 schools, from St. Luke’s Primary to Philips High, pledged participation. “It’s for every voice,” said headteacher Mark Reilly of Elton Primary.

When and How Do Entries Close for the Contest?

Deadline is June 30, 2026, with extensions for schools. As reported by David Cole of BBC Manchester, online portal opens February 20; paper forms from libraries. Workshops run weekly: March at libraries, April-May in schools. Finalists notified July; gala September 15 at Bury Town Hall.

Mayor Nichols urged: “Start scribbling now – your story shapes Bury’s future.” Entry packs include guides, prompts like “Flying cars in Bury?” or “Green parks forever.”

What Prizes Await Winners of Bury’s Writing Challenge?

Top junior prize: £500 Waterstones voucher, anthology spot, author meet-and-greet. Seniors get £750, plus Kindle, school donation. Runners-up receive £100 book sets; all entrants get certificates. As per Laura Evans of Bury Free Press, last year’s winner met mayor, inspiring peers.

Publication by local press ensures legacy. Sponsors added tech prizes: tablets for top 10.

How Will the Competition Boost Local Literacy?

Bury’s 2025 stats showed 28% of year 6 pupils below reading standard, per council data. Jane Nichols, as quoted by Rachel Owen of Manchester Evening News, stated: “Writing builds confidence, empathy – essential for our community’s future.” Workshops target underperformers; partnerships with Manchester Libraries offer free books.

Headteachers like Susan Grant of St. Peter’s said: “This engages reluctant readers creatively.” Expected 1,200 entries could lift participation 20%, mirroring 2025 gains.

Which Schools and Partners Support the Initiative?

Bury’s 45 primaries and 10 secondaries join, plus Ramsbottom and Radcliffe schools. Sponsors: Waterstones (10 stores), Manchester Libraries, Northern Rail. As covered by Mike Thornton of Local Democracy Reporting Service, council allocated £50,000 budget.

Authors Lisa Milton and poet laureate Kwame Agyei lead judging. “Diverse voices matter,” Agyei noted.

What Do Local Leaders Say About the Launch?

Mayor Nichols: “Igniting imaginations in Bury.” Councillor Bill Harper (education lead): “Tackles literacy gaps head-on.” As reported by Fiona Blake of Bury Times, Harper added: “Post-pandemic, creativity heals.”

Parent rep Amina Syed: “Empowers my children’s futures.” Teachers’ union rep Paul Dixon praised: “Timely, inclusive boost.”

What Happens at the Winners’ Ceremony?

September 15 gala at Bury Town Hall features readings, mayor’s speech, book launch. Families, dignitaries attend; live-streamed. Last year, 500 packed the event. Prizes presented by Nichols; anthology sales fund 2027 contest.

Background on Similar Past Competitions

2024’s ‘Bury Dreams’ saw 600 entries; 2025 doubled. National parallels like BBC’s 500 Words inspire, but local focus sets apart. Council data shows sustained interest lifts school engagement.

Future Plans for Young Writers in Bury

Annual event planned; 2027 theme TBA. Expansion to art-writing hybrids eyed. Nichols: “Pipeline for talent – authors, journalists from Bury.”