The 500 Words competition invites UK children to unleash creativity through storytelling, open now until 8 November.
- Supported by BBC Teach, it welcomes entries from children aged 5-11, celebrating story creation over linguistic accuracy.
- Judges, including renowned authors, encourage originality and personal expression in stories, emphasising imagination and emotion.
- The competition culminates in a star-studded final at Buckingham Palace in February 2025, hosted by celebrities.
- Winning stories will be published, offering prizes and recognition to inspire and nurture young writers across the UK.
The BBC’s esteemed 500 Words competition has once again opened its doors, inviting primary school children across the United Kingdom to partake in a celebration of creativity and literature. Open for submissions from Tuesday, 24 September, until 9pm on Friday, 8 November, this competition has long been acknowledged as a cornerstone in fostering young talent within the realm of storytelling. Supported by BBC Teach, the initiative encourages children of all writing abilities to craft original stories without the confines of conventional grammar, spelling, or punctuation concerns, thereby prioritising creativity and individual expression.
In this spirit, the competition welcomes entries from children aged 5-7 and 8-11. It was launched on The One Show by the illustrious Children’s Laureate and judge Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who articulated his admiration for the unpredictable nature of children’s stories, highlighting the depth of personal connection that often emerges from their narratives. His sentiments reflect a broader enthusiasm shared by Helen Foulkes, Head of BBC Education, who reiterated the competition’s role in inspiring over a million children to venture into storytelling, unbounded by linguistic constraints.
The competition enjoys the distinguished support of Her Majesty The Queen, whose endorsement underscores its prestige. Winning entries this year promise the exceptional opportunity for young authors to meet The Queen at the concluding event. Set against the splendid backdrop of Buckingham Palace in February 2025, the finale will be a grand affair, with the top entries being presented by celebrities in front of an audience comprising finalists, their families, and notable figures. This occasion promises to be a highlight of World Book Day, scheduled for 6 March 2025.
The culmination of the competition comes with a suite of prizes and accolades for the young wordsmiths. Both the bronze, silver, and gold medalists, drawn from the two age categories, will be celebrated through a variety of awards: the gold winners will receive 500 books for their schools in addition to a collection of books equivalent to the height of judge Sir Lenny Henry. Their stories, along with those of other finalists, will be narrated by famous actors, enriching the storytelling experience. Subsequently, these tales will be illustrated, framed, and published in a special 500 Words winners’ book.
Furthermore, all finalists will benefit from a £20 National Book Token, and their stories will be recorded by the BBC Radio Drama Company, ensuring their creative efforts reach a broader audience. The rigorous judging process involves a panel of esteemed judges, including Malorie Blackman and Sir Lenny Henry, lending credibility and gravitas to the selection process. Children interested in participating can look forward to a 500 Words Live Lesson to spark creativity, accessible through the BBC Teach website.
This significant competition not only honours young talents but also celebrates creativity and storytelling excellence across the UK.
