Please join us — and up to 350 other young writers from across England — at the University of Cambridge on Wednesday 2nd April 2025 for the Young Writers Festival, headlined by award-winning writer Steven Camden.

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First Story partner schools are invited to register for up to 40 student places. Attendees can include current and former Young Writers Programme participants, Young Mentors, and other students who would benefit from attending. Tickets cost £8 per student with free accompanying staff places.

Our headline writer is Steven Camden aka Polarbear, a former First Story Writer in Residence, internationally acclaimed spoken word artist, award winning author, poet, collaborator and storyteller from Smethwick, near Birmingham. His books include the poetry collection Everything All At Once, novel Nobody Real and verse novel Stand Up Ferran Burke.

Full programme details are to be confirmed, but approximate running time is from 10am – 4.30pm. School staff will need to accompany young writers on the day and arrange transport to and from University of Cambridge. Places are limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis. The Young Writers Festival is always popular, and we are keen to ensure as many schools as possible are able to attend.