First Story Young Writers Festival – A Day of Inspiration at the University of Cambridge

A group of our talented young writers had an unforgettable experience at the First Story Young Writers Festival, held at the prestigious University of Cambridge. The day was packed with workshops, readings, performances, and more, bringing together students from across the country to celebrate creative writing, storytelling, and the power of words.
The festival featured inspiring talks, including a headline speech by renowned writer Stephen Camden and engaging hosting by poet Ruth Awolola. Our students were captivated by the energy, passion, and insight shared by these incredible writers, leaving them even more motivated to develop their own creative voices.
A real highlight of the trip was a brilliant tour of Newnham College, where students had the chance to experience the beauty of the university in the glorious sunshine. Walking through the historic grounds, they learnt about life at Cambridge, and we’re sure many of them will be applying in the future!
First Story is a fantastic programme that connects professional writers with young people in schools to nurture creativity, confidence, and a love for storytelling. Our students are fortunate to be working with poet Mark Gwynne Jones, and they are now in the final stages of preparing the piece they will be publishing in this year’s anthology. This brilliant day is sure to have given them the boost they need to complete their work with even greater creativity and passion!
Attending this festival was a fantastic opportunity for our young writers to be part of a wider creative community, gain inspiration, and see the potential of their own stories. We can’t wait to see the finished pieces and celebrate their achievements in print!