Entries are now officially OPEN for the Bournemouth Writing Prize 2027 - our international short story and poetry competition run in partnership with Bournemouth University.
Now going into its 11th year, the competition has grown into an exciting platform for writers from across the UK and around the world to have their work recognised, published and celebrated.
Whether you’re an experienced writer, just starting out, or finally ready to submit that piece sitting on your laptop, we’d love to read your work. There is no theme or genre, so send us your best work!
This year’s prizes include:
• £1,000 for the winner in each category (Short Story and Poetry)
• £300 for second place and £200 for third place
• Inclusion in the Bournemouth Writing Prize anthology
• Tickets and accommodation for the Bournemouth Writing Festival celebration event where winners will perform their entry in front of the live improvisation band.
The competition is judged this year by Ed Wood (short story), literary agent from The Blair Partnership and for poetry Artfulscribe director and Children's Poet Laureate Matthew West.
Categories:
• Short Story up to 3,000 words
• Poetry: up to three poems, maximum 30 lines each
Entry fee: £10
Early bird discount: 20% off before 31 May 2026
Key dates:
• Early bird discount ends 31st May 2026
• Final submission deadline: 15 August 2026
• Shortlist announced: October
• Winners announced: January
• Celebration event and anthology launch at the Bournemouth Writing Festival in April 2027
Every year, we support a chosen charity. This year, we are proud to collaborate with Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots UK - an educational and environmental initiative that empowers young people to take positive action for people, animals, and the environment.
Throughout her life, Dr Jane Goodall - renowned ethologist, environmental campaigner, and UN Messenger of Peace - regularly returned to her family home in Bournemouth, where she wrote many of her books. Her connection with Bournemouth University also included events marking the 50th anniversary of her pioneering research at Gombe. Following Dr Goodall’s passing in 2025, it feels especially fitting for the festival to support Roots & Shoots UK.
Entrants to this year’s Bournemouth Writing Prize will be invited to make a donation, with 100% of contributions going directly to the programme. Your donation will support our youth outreach and educational materials, 100% free to all Roots & Shoots members.
You can find full details and enter here.
Final submission deadline: 15 August 2026