The 2020 Writing Competitions are Open

Ilkley Literature Festival are pleased to announce that our annual writing competitions are now open for entries. 

Young People’s and Children’s Poetry Competitions 

These are free-to-enter competitions for schools and individual children. 

Young People’s Poetry Competition Age Categories 

  • Years 7, 8 and 9 
  • Years 10 and 11 
  • Years 12 and 13 

To enter and for full terms and conditions, click here. 

Children’s Poetry Competition Age Categories 

  • Reception, Years 1 and 2 
  • Years 3 and 4 
  • Years 5 and 6 

To enter and for full terms and conditions, click here. 

The winners will be invited to read their poems at an event at the 2020 Ilkley Literature Festival. The winners will also receive book tokens and both winners and runners up will receive a certificate. 

Poems should be no longer than 28 lines and should respond to the theme ‘A Kindness.’ 

The closing date for entries is Monday 21 September 2020.  

The 2020 Ilkley Literature Festival is scheduled to take place Friday 2 to Sunday 18 October. At present, the organisers remain hopeful the event will be able to take place as planned. However, if this is not possible due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, alternative arrangements will be made for the announcement of the poetry competitions winners and prize-givings

The ILF Short Story Competition is on hold for the time being while we review how the competition operates. We are sorry for any disappointment this hiatus may cause.

Any Questions?

If you have any further questions, please contact info@ilkleylitfest.org.uk and we will be happy to help.