BURNHAM Book Festival will return for its second year at the Princess Theatre and the town's library on May 19 and 20. 

Burnham Book Festival is running a writing competition. It is free to enter for people living in Somerset and North Somerset.

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News:

There are categories for short stories and poems, with three different age categories.

Shortlisted writers will see their work in print in the Festival Anthology, and the best entry in each category will win a cash prize.

The competition is sponsored by local best-selling author, Damien Boyd.

The categories are:

  • 11 & Under Short Story, 500 word limit – Prize £30
  • 11 & Under Poetry – Prize £30
  • 12 – 18 Short Story, 1000 word limit – Prize £30
  • 12 – 18 Poetry – Prize £30
  • 19+ (Adult) Short Story, 2000 word limit – Prize £100
  • 19+ (Adult) Poetry – Prize £100

Local artists can also enter the festival's cover competition, with the winner being featured on the cover of the 2023 Festival Anthology.

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News:

The competiton deadlines have been extended until March 5 (writing) and March 18 (anthology cover contest). 

A spokesperson said: “We were so impressed with the standard of work we received last year, it was great to give people a chance to see their work in print."

“We’re really looking forward to seeing what out local writers are working on in 2023. The judges have some difficult choices ahead of them.”

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News:

Full details plus competition terms and conditions can be found on burnhambookfest.co.uk

The event will feature a programme of workshops and talks and give local writers the chance to meet with their readers and discuss their work.