Lowry's Creative Writing Challenge Celebrates Young Writers From Across the North West

Children from across the North West stepped into the spotlight on Saturday 9 May for the Lowry's annual Creative Writing Challenge, performing on stage at a special event hosted by the popular CBeebies presenter Evie Pickerill.

Now in its fourth year, the much-loved competition celebrates the creativity, imagination and voices of children aged 7 to 11.

From more than 1,000 entries, 20 young writers were shortlisted and invited to perform their poetry, playscripts and stories live on stage. Families, teachers and peers cheered as each child confidently shared their original work at the celebratory event.

“The Creative Writing Challenge shows young people that their voices matter,” said Jenny Riding, Director of Learning and Engagement at Lowry. “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.”

Through workshops led by poets, playwrights and storytellers in more than 30 schools, the programme builds confidence, nurtures creativity and inspires even the most reluctant writers to put pen to paper.

“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 Oliver Eddlestone, one of the evening's award-winners. “After every session with the Lowry team, he came out smiling and laughing, he felt supported and listened to.”

The Creative Writing Challenge is made possible thanks to the generous support of Beryl and Trevor Jones, and delivery partners including the National Literacy Trust, the 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.”

The entries were judged by an expert panel including author and illustrator Curtis Jobling, actor and author Samantha Giles, writer and broadcaster Nick Ahad, and actor, comedian and screenwriter Ben Bailey Smith (aka Doc Brown). They were joined by Martha O'Brien, Hub Manager for the National Literacy Trust in Salford, alongside a children's panel made up of previously shortlisted writers.

Illustrator and author of the Wereworld series of books, and judge for the competition, 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 Creative Writing Challenge is supported by Williams Group who share Lowry's commitment to nurturing young talent. “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,” said Chris Woods, Head of Marketing at Williams BMW. “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.”

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