First Story holds two annual festivals for young writers, bringing schools from across our regions together for a day of creativity.
Young Writers Festivals 2026
In 2026, we hosted two exciting festivals for schools across the country. Our second Young Writers Festival North, in partnership with Lowry, Salford took place in March and we returned to the University of Cambridge for our annual Young Writers Festival on in April. Both days were packed full of workshops led by our talented writers, readings, lunchtime activities, a young writers showcase and more.
Highlights from the Young Writers Festival 2026
at the University of Cambridge
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.
Highlights from the Young Writers Festival North 2026
at Lowry, Salford
On 2 March 2026, 160 young writers from across Greater Manchester and Yorkshire came together at Lowry, Salford, for our second Young Writers Festival North.
It was really nice to have the chance to write with other young writers
Festival participant
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.
Feedback from participants
It helps young people to understand things which may not be taught in school, such as what being a writer is like, life at university, and techniques to write.
Festival participant
96%
of participants would recommend taking part in the Young Writers Festival to other students.
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.
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