Children’s Writing Competition

Whitby Lit Fest 2026 is inviting young writers to take part in our Children’s Writing Competition, open to children in Key Stages 1 to 4 living in Whitby and the surrounding villages. We’re asking entrants to write a short story inspired by the theme of ‘Folklore and Legend’.

Children in KS1 and KS2 should write between 300 and 500 words, and those in KS3 and KS4 should write around 500 words. The competition opens at 9am on Monday 5th October and closes at 12 noon on Friday 6th November 2026. Winners will be celebrated at an awards ceremony on Saturday 21st November.

Click here to download the terms and conditions.

Awards Ceremony with Corinne Bailey Rae

From 10:30am on Saturday 21st November, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae joins us to celebrate her beautiful new picture book, Put Your Records On, inspired by her much-loved 2006 multi-platinum anthem about freedom and joy.

The track became a famous cover in the 2009 film Alvin and the Chipmunks. It’s also made appearances on TV shows, like Grey’s Anatomy. This beautiful storybook brings the empowerment and exuberance of the song to children, and celebrates music’s unique power to soothe or energize us, when we need it most.

Parents and children are invited to join the pop star for a lively, interactive session, inviting audience questions, reading extracts, and even having a singalong, with a few musical instruments to try too.

This is a free event, but please book tickets to secure your spot. We’d love to fill the Spa with hundreds of children and their families for this wonderful celebration of children’s writing and literature.