The Lowry hosted this year’s Creative Writing Challenge with the raw honesty, wit and brilliance of young minds being celebrated.
The heartwarming celebration of children’s creativity and storytelling was hosted on Monday 14 July by Manchester-based poet Tony Walsh.
For the event, the Lowry welcomed over 300 people to the Quays theatre, marking the third Creative Writing Challenge at the Salford theatre.
The creative writing challenge is a project giving children aged 7 to 11 from Salford and Greater Manchester the chance to have their voices heard.
The challenge celebrated stories from lost socks and exploding printers to powerful reflections on bullying, ADHD and the bonds of family and friendship.
From almost 800 submissions, 26 young writers were chosen to perform their work live on stage in a moving showcase of poetry, playscripts and stories.
The themes were as diverse as the children themselves—ranging from dreams, hope and ambition to war, grief and kindness—reminding audiences just how powerful children’s voices can be when given the opportunity to speak.
As Jenny Riding, Director of Learning and Engagement at Lowry said: “This is more than a celebration of talent—it’s a call to action.
“We know that children’s literacy in the UK is in crisis, and projects like this help turn the tide.
“When a child sees their story performed on stage, when they feel their words matter—it can change their relationship with reading and writing for life.”The challenge saw key Stage Two pupils a platform to explore the written word in all forms – with the initiative rooted in the belief that every child deserves the chance to express themselves.
Regardless of background or ability, children of Salford were able to be heard – with families, teachers, and supporters of the evening ceremony being able to celebrate the written work.
The evening saw tears and laughter with the children taking centre stage not just as performers, but as authors of their own experience.
10-year-old Aidan O’Donnell, one of the evening’s award-winners, being the runner-up in the founders prize, he said: “It was brilliant to get the chance to perform on stage to all those people.
“I made lots of new friends and really enjoyed it. I can’t wait to hopefully perform again soon.”
Following the awards, founder of the Creative Writing Challenge and a Gold Patron of Lowry alongside her husband Trevor, Beryl Jones said: “I am absolutely thrilled to see the Creative Writing Challenge go from strength to strength in our third year.
“It is wonderful to be able to encourage children’s creativity, celebrating their ideas and imaginations and removing barriers they may face with writing and performance.”
The Creative Writing Challenge is made possible thanks to the generous support of Beryl and Trevor Jones, and delivery partners including the National Literacy Trust, the University of Salford, and Salford Community Leisure.
Beryl continued: “My thanks as ever, go to the amazing Lowry team for their dedication and hard work in realising our shared vision to support children in experiencing the joy of creativity and expression.
“Their voices have been heard.”
With the children’s creativity on display, it saw their work judged by a wide range of voices from across the creative industries – and included author and illustrator Curtis Jobling, actor and author Samantha Giles, writer and broadcaster Nick Ahad.
As well as actor, comedian and screenwriter Ben Bailey Smith (aka Doc Brown), alongside young people, students, and Lowry staff.
Samantha Giles, who judged the competition said: “Every child that takes part is a winner.
“It is a joy to witness such imagination, empathy, and originality. We must do all we can to nurture literacy in our schools—because when a child finds their voice through writing, they begin to believe in themselves.”
And this was emphasised by Curtis Jobling, author and judge, who said: “This is the kind of opportunity I would’ve leapt at as a kid.
“Reading opened the door to writing for me, and writing opened the door to a whole new life. That journey starts with encouragement—and Lowry is helping provide just that.”
All shortlisted children received book tokens and certificates. Winners also enjoyed theatre tickets for themselves and their families—bringing their creative journey full circle.
Alexandra Cook, Development Director at Williams BMW, a project sponsor, said: “Supporting Lowry’s Creative Writing Challenge is about more than arts funding—it’s an investment in the next generation.
“The confidence, creativity and joy these young writers show is a testament to what’s possible when we champion literacy and self-expression. We’re proud to be part of their journey.”
The Creative Writing Challenge is a 5-year project, and primary schools in Salford and Greater Manchester interested in taking part in future years should email: getcreative@thelowry.com.
2025 WINNERS
Poetry
Winner: Alexandra Dornescu (age 7) – I am small in the ocean
Runner-up:Luca Breivogal (age 9) – Why?
Playscript
Winner: Hanan Farah (age 10) – Three Treasures
Runners-up: Gideon Alafiatayo (age 10) Cybertron and Alex Peiciu (age 10) Fortune Teller
Short Story
Winner: Frankie Barrett (age 11) A Cat’s Perspective
Runner-up: Isla Payton (age 10) Saving Christmas
Children’s Choice Awards – awarded by last year’s winners
Winner: Penelope Hughes (age 11) My Life as a Pencil
Runner-up: Emily Lawton (age 8) The Missing Sock
Founders Prizes – awarded by Beryl Jones
Winner: Lucian Junior O’Neill (age 8) – The Chicken who was Scared of Meat-Eaters
Runner-up: Aidan O’Donnell (age 10) Mic-drop, Action
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