The Julia & Martin Wilson Short Story Prize

In 2020 Broadway Arts Festival launched a new short story prize in addition to their art competition prizes in order to encourage creativity during the lockdown. The prize was generously sponsored by festival benefactors Julia & Martin Wilson who also judged the very varied and eclectic entries from across the globe. The competition is now an annual event.

Prizes:

Main prize (over 18s): £400
Ages 14-18yrs: £100
Age 13 and under: £50

Introducing the 2022 Prize Winners:

Main Prize Winner – Beverley Wightman from Bridgnorth, Shropshire for her moving story “Rose”

Some background about the story and words from the author:

“As a music teacher by profession, I know the power of music on the listener’s emotions, but in particular, how it can lift the mood and evoke memories in elderly people.  This really was my initial inspiration for Rose, who is gradually losing her ability to communicate and is living in her early memories, but who is also comforted by the music she is familiar with.  Her occasional lucid moments also bring comfort to her family.  

Whilst music has been a major part of my life, my hobbies of writing and painting are much enjoyed when time allows.  Indeed, through taking part in Broadway Arts Festival’s ‘Paint Off’, a number of times, I became aware of the short story competition.  In my view, literary, visual and auditory arts are all interlinked!”

Age 14-18 Category Prize Winner – Daisy Stewart Henderson (16) from Glasgow for her story “The Fat Peasant Woman from Simbirsk”

Some background about the story and words from the author:

“I love creative writing and have a passion for Russian history and literature which inspired me to write this story about the Russian imperial family in the tumultuous years leading up to the revolution.

As a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, I also have an interest in current affairs, which made writing this story feel particularly timely.
In the future, I hope to study a degree which will allow me to combine my passions for history and for literature, and to continue writing historical fiction.”

Age 13 and under Category Prize Winner – Miles Timmis (8) from the Cheltenham area for his story “Chief Inspector Quinn and the Case of the Cheese Baddies”

Some background about the story and words from the author:

“I love creating stories and I really love to read — it’s my favourite thing, along with building LEGO. I always take part in the “Summer Reading Challenge”. Last summer, I challenged myself to read 100 books! And, I did it! My favourite books are the Arthur Ransome ‘Swallows & Amazons’ stories, The Adventures of Tin Tin and Michael Morpurgo books.
Last year, my school took a trip to the Cheltenham Literary Festival and I got to meet Jamie Littler, he is the author of the Frost Heart series — which is a great series. He signed my Frost Heart books and said, “Thanks for reading.” That was amazing. 

The inspiration for my story came from my actual cats – Tabitha, Brody, Duffy and Quinn. I like to think about the adventures they might have. They are always catching mice and bringing them into our house! I am very thankful to the judges for liking my story. Thank you!“

Any queries email storycompetition@broadwayartsfestival.com