WRITING COMPETITION 2026
Writing Competition – Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival in partnership with the Battle Festival of Folk and Fable.
Want a chance to perform your work at two local festivals, or win a writing retreat at the beautiful Starcroft Farm Cabins - or even a small cash prize? Then why not enter our writing competition?
Theme: Animals and folklore – short pieces about the creatures we share this planet with, who have intrigued, awed, informed, or delighted us.
Style: We aim to encourage all writers to develop their craft; this year’s competition is open to all, and we welcome writers of both fiction and non-fiction.
1. Over 18 – a maximum of 1000 words.
2. 11-13 – a maximum of 250 words.
3. 14-18 – a maximum of 500 words.
Judges:
Jo Norland – playwright, author and writing coach.
Robin Pridy – author and editor.
Competition Details
The competition is free to enter
Timetable:
- Competition Opens: 1st February 2026
- Competition Closes: 22nd March 2026
- Longlists announced: 10th April 2026
- Shortlists announced: 20th April 2026
- Winners announced: 3rd May 2026
Competition rules:
- The competition is open to all writers of any ability, published or otherwise, from anywhere in Kent and Sussex (East Sussex, West Sussex, Brighton and Hove)
- You may enter once.
- You may submit your entry online via the link below or by email to: Writing@twlf.co.uk
- Label your entry with the title of your story e.g. This Is My Story.doc. Do not include your name or any other information in your filename or anywhere other than the entry form on your hard copy if you are submitting in post or in person.
- Entries must have neither been previously published nor won a prize in any other competition.
- Entries must be complete and standalone. Excerpts from a novel or a longer piece of work are unlikely to do well.