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From socks gone missing to cats with big opinions, exploding printers to heartfelt tales of bullying and belonging, there was no shortage of imagination at LOWRY creative writing challenge 2025

Now in its third year, the much-loved event took over the Quays Theatre in Salford on Monday 14 July, where over 300 guests packed into the auditorium for a joyful celebration of young talent and storytelling.

Hosted by Manchester poet Tony Walsh (aka Longfella), the evening saw 26 children aged 7–11 take to the stage to share their winning work, chosen from almost 800 entries sent in from schools across Greater Manchester.

And what a night it was. From plays and poems to short stories and punchy performances, these brilliant young minds wowed the crowd with their creativity, courage and charm.

LOWRY’s creative writing challenge 2025

The evening proved that children don’t shy away from life’s biggest themes. Stories covered everything from climate change and Christmas rescues to grief, friendship, ADHD and even vegetarian chickens. One highlight, The Chicken Who Was Scared of Meat-Eaters, earned 8-year-old Lucian Junior O’Neill the Founders Prize.

“It was brilliant to perform on stage to all those people,” said 10-year-old Aidan O’Donnell, who was named runner-up in the Founders Prize category. “I made lots of new friends and really enjoyed it. I can’t wait to hopefully perform again soon.”

Whether funny, thought-provoking, or downright bonkers (in the best way), the pieces all had one thing in common: honesty. As Tony Walsh put it on the night, “These kids aren’t just writers. They’re truth-tellers, world-builders and heart-openers.”

A project with a serious purpose

Behind the laughter and applause, the project has a serious purpose. The Creative Writing Challenge was created to help boost literacy and build confidence in children at a time when reading and writing skills are declining nationally.

“This is more than a celebration of talent, it’s a call to action,” said Jenny Riding, Director of Learning and Engagement at The Lowry. “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.”

That belief is at the core of the project, which was founded by Lowry Gold Patron Beryl Jones and supported by her husband Trevor. Both were at the event to cheer on the writers.

“It’s so important to give children a platform where they feel seen and heard,” said Beryl. “They have so much to say, and so much wisdom to share if we just stop and listen.”

Judged by the Best

This year’s judging panel featured big names from the world of books, TV and theatre, including author and illustrator Curtis Jobling (Bob the Builder, Frankenstein’s Cat), actor and author Samantha Giles (Emmerdale), writer and broadcaster Nick Ahad, and comedian and screenwriter Ben Bailey Smith (aka Doc Brown). And of course, young people helped judge too.

“The level of originality and empathy on display was just incredible,” said Samantha Giles. “Every child that takes part is a winner.”

Curtis Jobling agreed: “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.”

The 2025 Winners:

Poetry
• Winner: Alexandra Dornescu (7) – I am small in the ocean
• Runner-up: Luca Breivogal (9) – Why?

Playscript
• Winner: Hanan Farah (10) – Three Treasures
• Runners-up: Gideon Alafiatayo (10) – Cybertron
& Alex Peiciu (10) – Fortune Teller

Short Story
• Winner: Frankie Barrett (11) – A Cat’s Perspective
• Runner-up: Isla Payton (10) – Saving Christmas

Children’s Choice
• Winner: Penelope Hughes (11) – My Life as a Pencil
• Runner-up: Emily Lawton (8) – The Missing Sock…

Founders Prize
• Winner: Lucian Junior O’Neill (8) – The Chicken who was Scared of Meat-Eaters
• Runner-up: Aidan O’Donnell (10) – Mic-drop, Action

All finalists received certificates and book tokens, while the winners enjoyed theatre tickets for themselves and their families—bringing their creative journey full circle at The Lowry.

Who supported LOWRY creative writing challenge 2025

With support from the National Literacy Trust, University of Salford, and Salford Community Leisure, the Creative Writing Challenge continues to grow, and the buzz in the theatre suggests it’s only just getting started.

You can find out more about what’s on at LOWRY by clicking here

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