LU Literary Festival - Creative Writing Competition
Submit a creative writing piece on the theme of 'hope'.
Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é the Competition
Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é Literary Festival is delighted to organise a Creative Writing Competition! The theme of the competition is "Hope". The entry to the competition is free and submissions are open until the 4th of May 2026 5pm.
Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é the Festival
This annual festival is organised by postgraduate students from the English Department as part of their studies. Events will include a discussion panel exploring hope and the role of the arts in times of crisis, an interview and writing workshop with author Juliet Jaques and a spoken word open mic night.
The festival will run from 15 -21 May and bookings will open soon. for more info.
LU Arts provides funding and support to the students organising the festival.
Who can enter?
The competition is open to students, staff and members of the community. You must be over 18 to enter.
Entry Requirements
Submissions must be original work, aligned with the theme of 'hope'. You may submit up to 1000 words or 3 pages for poetry (longer work will not be considered). Submissions made using generative AI will not be considered. You can only enter the competition with one submission.
How will the winners be chosen?
The Jury's decision is final. No claim will be considered. The winning entry and honorary mentions will be announced during the Literary Festival (exact date to be confirmed).
The winner and honorary mentions will be announced using writer names, and will receive a certificate. The winner will also receive a non-monetary prize.
What are the timescales?
Deadline for applications – Monday 4th of May 2026 5pm.
The winner and honorary mentions will be announced during the Literary Festival (exact date to be confirmed).
How do I enter?
Please submit your entry via the Google Form. Submissions should be made as a PDF file, named 'LUliteraryfestival-Title'. Do not include your name anywhere on the file. Entry is free.
Deadline for entries: 5pm on Monday 4th of May 2026.
If you have any queries relating to this competition, then please email LUArts@lboro.ac.uk.