Young writers from across the North West took centre stage at Lowry earlier this month as the venue hosted its annual Creative Writing Challenge celebration.
Held on Saturday 9 May and hosted by popular Evie Pickerill, the event saw 20 shortlisted children aged between seven and 11 perform their original poems, playscripts and stories live on stage in front of proud families, teachers and classmates.
Now in its fourth year, the Creative Writing Challenge has become a major celebration of young talent across the North West, with more than 1,000 entries submitted this year from children eager to showcase their creativity and imagination.
Participants took part in workshops delivered in more than 30 schools by professional poets, playwrights and storytellers, helping children build confidence, develop their writing skills and find their voice.
Jenny Riding, Director of Learning and Engagement at Lowry, said: “The Creative Writing Challenge shows young people that their voices matter.
“Seeing these children take to the stage with confidence and pride in their own words reminds us just how important creativity and oracy are, not only for creative expression but for life beyond the classroom.”
Parents also praised the impact the programme had on the children involved.
“As a parent watching from the audience, seeing my child have the confidence to stand on the stage and read his own work was genuinely moving,” said the parent of award-winner Oliver Eddlestone.
“After every session with the Lowry team, he came out smiling and laughing, he felt supported and listened to.”
The competition is supported by Beryl and Trevor Jones alongside delivery partners including the National Literacy Trust, University of Salford and Salford Community Leisure.
Beryl Jones, founder of the Creative Writing Challenge and a Gold Patron of Lowry alongside her husband Trevor, said: “It has been incredibly inspiring to see the Lowry Creative Writing Challenge flourish and to watch this year’s shortlisted children step onto the Quays Theatre stage to share their work with confidence.
“The remarkable growth in entries from just over 350 in the first year to more than 1,100 this year reflects the dedication of Lowry’s Learning and Engagement team, the brilliant creatives working in schools, and the enthusiasm of teachers who champion this opportunity for their pupils.
“Seeing young people find their voice, develop their creativity and celebrate their achievements in front of a live audience is a powerful reminder of why this programme matters so much.”
Entries were judged by a panel featuring author and illustrator Curtis Jobling, actor and author Samantha Giles, writer and broadcaster Nick Ahad, and actor, comedian and screenwriter Ben Bailey Smith.
Curtis Jobling said: “I was thrilled to be involved in the Creative Writing Challenge again this year, and getting to celebrate the achievements of the children at the Lowry on the big night was an extra special treat.
“Seeing and hearing the children perform their stories and poems elevated their texts in a most unexpected way. It was emotional, it was funny, and it was wildly entertaining.
“I only hope all of those young people who entered the competition continue on their wonderful writing journeys.”
The challenge is also backed by Williams BMW, which has supported the programme for the third consecutive year.
Chris Woods, Head of Marketing at Williams BMW, said: “For more than a hundred years, Williams has grown alongside this community, and championing the next generation is still at the heart of what we do.
“By supporting Lowry’s Creative Writing Challenge for the third consecutive year, we are proud to help provide young people with a platform to express themselves, develop their creativity and believe in the power of their ideas.”
The 2026 winners were:
• Poetry winner: Malik Adekunle – Hidden Behind a Whisper
• Poetry runner-up: Barney Foreman – Music and Me
• Playscript winner: Shakti Balamuragan – The Dog that Went to Space
• Story winner: Melody Williams – Gingerbread Versus Mice
• Story runner-up: Casta Ng – Flyey’s Magical Adventure
• Children’s Choice Award: Oliver Eddlestone – Robert the Robot
• Founder’s Prize winner: Margot Gape – Just Before I Boarded
All shortlisted children received book tokens and certificates, while winners were also awarded theatre tickets for themselves and their families.
