On 2 March 2026, 160 young writers from across Greater Manchester and Yorkshire arrived at Lowry, Salford Quays for our second Young Writers Festival North. With the Quays glittering outside and a packed programme inside, the festival became a vibrant celebration of imagination, community and the power of young people’s stories.
Guiding the day was poet and MC Testament, whose humour, enthusiasm and occasional beat-boxing set the tone from the first welcome. We were also thrilled to welcome Alfie, a First Story alumnus, who shared his journey from taking part in First Story workshops, residential and the Young Creatives collective to continuing his creative practice into university. Alfie’s story offered a powerful reminder that writing can open doors, build confidence and shape futures in unexpected ways.
“I’ve realised that writing at its core is the art of communication, confidence and imagination. In fact, it’s a whole host of different skills all tied together in one medium. […] What First Story does is it opens up this love for words that you have from something that is just your little secret, your niche interest, into a powerful tool that you can use anywhere in any aspect of your life.” – Alfie
Our headliner was writer and illustrator Lize Meddings who brought warmth, humour and honesty to the stage. Sharing the origins of The Sad Ghost Club and her own creative journey, she answered thoughtful questions from the student panel and spoke about her work as a way of connecting through shared experience.
Across Lowry’s creative spaces, students took part in two dynamic 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.
Our much‑loved bookstall returned, generously stocked with titles donated by Hachette, Macmillan, Penguin Random House and Amazon Books, giving students the chance to discover new reads. Lize’s book-signing stall was never empty as she chatted to the crowds of young writers.
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.
“I like the people and the stories and poems they share. It was nice to hear other ideas. And it really made me feel interested in sharing mine.” – Student who attended Young Writers Festival North
Photo credit: Rachel Beeson
