Christmas in Reading Writing Competitions

This competition celebrates the diverse ways people engage with the winter season and the holidays within the context of Reading, UK. We're looking for poems and short stories that showcase your unique traditions, unexpected moments, or quiet reflections that take place in or around Reading during winter.

Entry details

Theme: Christmas in Reading

All entries must be original, unpublished work. Entries will be judged blind within the relevant age category.

Poetry

• Children up to age 11 (Max. 20 lines)
• Young Adults Ages 12-17 (Max. 40 lines)
• Adults Age 18+ (Max. 40 lines)

Short Stories

• Children up to age 11 (Max. 300 words)
• Young Adults Ages 12-17 (Max. 500 words)
• Adults Age 18+ (Max. 500 words)

Submission Format

• Preparation: Entries must be typed in a standard font (e.g., Arial or Times New Roman, 12pt).
•  Anonymity: DO NOT include your name or any identifying information (address, email, etc.) on the poem or story document itself.
• File Naming: Please name your file clearly using your chosen category and a short version of your title (e.g., AdultFiction_TheAbbeySnow.docx or YA_Poem_MyReadingXmas.pdf).
• Submission Email: All entries must be emailed as an attachment to: maria.lloyd@reading.gov.uk

The Body of the Submission Email MUST Contain the Following Information:

• Entrant's Full Name:
• Age Category: (Children/Young Adult/Adult)
• Competition Category: (Poetry/Short Story)
• Title of Entry:
• Word/Line Count:
• Contact Phone Number:
• AI Use Policy: Please confirm you have read and understand

Confirmation: You will receive a reply email confirming receipt of your entry. If you do not receive a confirmation within 48 hours, please check your spam folder.

AI Use Policy

All entries must be entirely the original work of the entrant. Submissions must not be generated, edited, or substantively revised in whole or in part by Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, or similar large language models). The use of AI for basic spelling and grammar checking is permitted, but the core creative content and narrative must be 100% human authored.

Judging

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Relevance to Theme: How successfully the piece incorporates the theme, "Christmas in Reading"
• Sense of Place: How well the piece uses Reading, UK, as a backdrop, making the location integral to the story or poem
• Originality & Creativity
• Use of Language & Technical Skill

Please Note: We cannot provide individual feedback on entries.

Prizes

Poetry & Short Story Prizes:

• Children's winners: £20 Fourbears gift voucher
• Young Adult winner: £40 Waterstones gift voucher
• Adult winners: £100 Reading Arts and Venues gift voucher

Winning entries will also be published on the Visit Reading website and social channels.

Key Dates

Competition Opens: Monday 10th November 2025

Closing Date: 5pm, Friday 28 November 2025

Winners Announced: Wednesday 17th December