BURNHAM Book Festival is returning for its second year after the success of last year's event. 

This year, the festival will host more book talks, panel events and workshops, and offer chances to chat with writers and purchase signed copies of their books.

Writers in Somerset and North Somerset can enter Burnham Book Festival’s free poetry and short story competitions for a chance to win publication in an anthology and cash prizes – sponsored by local author, Damien Boyd.

The festival is also holding its first book cover competition for local artists. All competitions will be judged by professional writers and artists.

There are competitions for short-story writers and poets in three age categories: 11 and under, 12 – 18, and 19+ (adults), with a maximum of three entries per author in each category.

Organiser Lewis Coleman said: “As the competition is free to local authors, we encourage them to send three poems and three stories in.

“If anybody wants to read last year’s winners, The Best of Burnham Book Festival 2022 anthology is still available on Amazon or you can pick a copy up by emailing info@burnhambookfest.co.uk. All proceeds go to the festival.

“The committee will also be holding a cover competition for the anthology soon, so watch this space!”

Creative charity SEED Sedgemoor has offered its support and announced it will be hosting six workshops during the festival. 

A spokesperson said: “We’re delighted to be supporting six public workshops and school workshops in support of this year's Burnham Book Festival which takes place on May 19 and 20.”

Workshops include

– A Spoken Word for Performance (Adult)
– A Spoken Word for Performance (Child)
– Mixed Age Spoken Word
– The Hero’s Journey (Pride)
– Stories of Recovery
– Stories of Experience
– Workshops with Schools – the Living World.

Book your free ticket from The Princess Theatre here by visiting www.theprincesstheatre.co.uk/events/burnham-book-festival-2023.