LU Literary Festival - Creative Writing Competition
Submit a creative writing piece on the theme of 'hope'.
About the Competition
Loughborough 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.
About the Festival
The Loughborough University Literary Festival is run each year by students on the MA Creative writing and Contemporary Literature courses. As part of their 'Writing in the Community' module, they collaborate to plan, curate, promote and hold the festival.
The festival will run from 15 -21 May, and is open to staff, students and the general public. There will be free events taking place across the University campus, including an author talk, open mic, bookmark making workshop and more! Further details to be announced.
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.