On 21 April 2026, 284 First Story participants from across England came together at the University of Cambridge, to take part in our annual Young Writers Festival.

First Story writer Adam Z. Robinson welcomed everyone to the day. First Story alumni Sarah Zahman spoke about her enjoyment of the Young Writers Programme and Dr Bonnie Lander-Johnson (Writer and Downing College Fellow) gave an introductory talk about the University of Cambridge.

I like the Young Writers Festival because it gives people chance to share their amazing writing skills and to give them more confidence in expressing their talent

Festival participant

Headlined by A. M. Dassu

In conversation with First Story panelists.

A. M. Dassu is a former World Book Day author and internationally acclaimed author of 14 children’s books. These include Boy, Everywhere, Fight Back and Kicked Out, which have collectively been listed for over 55 awards, including the Carnegie Medal, Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and The Week Junior Book Award.

Writing Workshops

Festival participants attended two different group writing workshops during the day, facilitated by First Story writers, in a variety of impressive settings in the Faculty of English.

Lunchtime activities

At lunchtime participants were given tours of Newnham College and Selwyn College campuses by Student Ambassadors. Plus, there was an expo which included a bookstall, participatory festival poem, and a book signing with A. M. Dassu.

Young Writers Showcase

In the afternoon, everyone gathered for the student showcase. Students took to the mic and performed their work. We heard so many uplifting, moving, insightful pieces!

The winner of our Quentin Blake Competition was announced. This unique creative writing competition is exclusively open to students who attend Festival. The day concluded with Adam Z. Robinson reading out the collaborative Festival Poem that had been created by Festival attendees at the lunchtime tombola.

Hosted by Testament

Guiding the day was poet, MC and First Story writer Testament, whose enthusiasm and beat-boxing set the tone from the first welcome. First Story alumni Alfie Wilson shared his journey from taking part in First Story workshops, residential and the Young Creatives collective to continuing his creative practice into university.

Headlined by Lize Meddings

Lize Meddings is an author and illustrator residing in Bristol. Her series The Sad Ghost Club was born from feeling like an anxious outsider and her heartfelt comics have resonated with an online community. She loves plants and animals, and drawing all types of feelings. 

Writing Workshops and Young Writers Showcase

Across Lowry’s creative spaces, students took part in two workshops which stretched imaginations, sharpened craft and built performance confidence ahead of the afternoon showcase.

At lunchtime, the festival marketplace was bustling as students explored hands‑on activities, browsed books and connected with organisations championing young creativity. This year we were joined by Empathy Lab, University of Salford, Lowry Learning & Engagement and The Portico Library. First Story Young Creatives led a brilliant zine‑making station that had students cutting, collaging and creating their own mini publications. 

Testament kicked off the final session with a collaborative poem created by students during the lunchtime tombola activity. The day culminated in a joyful, moving showcase as students stepped up to the mic to perform pieces crafted during the festival: funny, fierce, tender, surprising, and always original. The room filled with applause and the pride of young voices being heard. 

94%

of participants agreed that they enjoy and/or appreciate writing more after attending.

We got to express ourselves and not be limited!

Festival participant

We could present our poems to other people who share the same interests as us.

Festival participant

83%

of participants agreed that after attending the festival they are more confident about sharing their ideas through writing.