The FlashTag writing collective is delighted to announce its participation in the 2012 Chorlton Arts Festival, the second year the two organisations will have teamed up to present a flash fiction writing competition, open now for submissions.

The FlashTag Writing Competition is now open for submissions with the closing date set for midnight on Friday 27 April. Stories are invited from anyone over the age of 18, be they published authors or first-time storytellers. Entry is free and the only rules are that stories must not exceed 500 words and must not have been published previously. No multiple or simultaneous submissions please. All entries will be judged anonymously and the shortlist will be published on Friday 11 May, with the winner announced in a glittering awards ceremony during a free fun-filled literary evening on Wednesday 23 May at a soon-to-be-revealed venue.

Full competition entry details are at flashmobmcr.wordpress.com with updates on Twitter @FMWComp. The group can be contacted via flashtagmcr@gmail.com.

Chorlton Arts Festival is a showcase for visual and performing artists and one of the largest multi-arts events in the north of England, withover 200 events last year and record attendance figures of 28,000 people. Tickets are now on sale for CAF, which runs 17-27 May 2012, and more details can be found at chorltonartsfestival.com.

For more information, images, quotes or interview requests, please contact Sarah-Clare Conlon: email sarahclareconlon@gmail.com; phone 07726 232412.