Sight for Wight is thrilled to announce the launch of its annual Short Story Writing Competition on Monday 16th June, tying in with the 16th year of the competition.
Originally started by patrons, RC Bridgestock, international crime writing authors and in celebration of the charity’s remarkable 160th birthday.
The theme
This year’s theme, Superhero, invites storytellers of all ages to unleash their creativity and imagine worlds where courage, kindness, and extraordinary abilities shine.
Whether it’s a caped crusader, a silent protector, or an everyday hero with a heart of gold, the theme is wide open for interpretation.
Five categories
The competition features five winning categories:
- Under 8s
- 8–11s
- 12–17s
- 18+
- and the prestigious Edana Minghella Award, celebrating outstanding storytelling.
Chris Cane, competition organiser, said,
“This is an exciting opportunity for budding Island writers to become published authors and win some great prizes.
“We really want everyone to let their imaginations run wild with this year’s theme and our mystery judges are looking forward to reading all the stories.”
Adding sparkle to the excitement, the winning entries will be brought to life by a stellar lineup of celebrity readers including:
Chesney Hawkes
Best-known for his hit single, “The One and Only”, which topped the UK Singles Chart for five weeks and reached the top 10 in the United States.
Chesney came fifth in this year’s Celebrity Big Brother. This is Chesney’s third year reading for us.
Richard Cadell
Known for being the in-vision presenter and the hand of puppet Sooty.
This is Richard’s fifth year reading for us.
Andy Jackson
A familiar voice on the radio in the south for around 30 years, including 25 years on Wave 105, and now heard daily on Easy Radio weekdays from 10am – 3pm, and on the Nation Radio drive-time show from 4pm every afternoon.
Kate Weston
Kate was a presenter at Wave 105, where she spent many happy years laughing her way through the Teatime and Big Drive Home shows, before moving to Rick Jackson in the Morning in January 2017.
She can now be heard on Easy Radio South with her breakfast show. This is Kate’s second year reading for us.
Darren Walsh
Darren worked as an illustrator, animator and short-film maker, life-long Monty Python nerd and official giant; he decided to try his hand at Stand-up in 2010 using props and strange sound effects he’d made in his bedroom.
He now does comedy and can often be found out and about on the streets asking people if they want a free pun! He will also be appearing at the Ventnor Fringe Festival on Saturday 26th July 2025.
Fantastic prizes
Winners can also look forward to fantastic prizes, such as family days out to popular Island attractions and travel vouchers courtesy of Red Funnel, Wightlink and HoverTravel.
The competition culminates in a joyful Award Ceremony on Friday 12th December at the Riverside Centre, Newport, including captivating magic from Huxley Magician.
The event promises to be a heartwarming celebration of creativity and community and, best of all, it’s free to attend!
How to enter
Entry forms are available by email [email protected] or in person from:
- Waterstones, High Street, Newport
- Sight for Wight, Millbrooke House, 137 Carisbrooke Road, Newport and
- Dress for Less, 57 Pyle Street, Newport
Entry Fee is £8 per story for over 18s and suggested donation of £2 per story for under 18s.
News sharedb y Chris on behalf of Sight for Wight. Ed
