Harborough District Poetry and Short Story Writing Competition
After a wonderful inaugural competition this year, we are looking forward to the next competition in 2027/2028.
Details will follow, but for now, here are the winning entries from the 2026/2027 competition. Huge congratulations to you all, including everyone who entered but did not quite make it to the Finals this time – do revisit us for the next competition.
Competition Summary
We are delighted to launch this brand new poetry and short story writing competition across the Harborough District. Regardless of your age or writing experience, just put your thoughts into words and give yourself the chance to win some wonderful prizes.
Competition Purpose
To encourage participation, support the development and raise awareness of the arts in the Harborough District specifically focusing on recognising creative writing in the form of poetry and short stories.
Who Organises This Competition?
This competition is being run by Wingates Gallery in association with Creative Harborough and Harborough District Council.
| Category | Place | Name | Entry Title (Click to Download PDF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Years and Under – Poetry | 1st Place | Lily Morton | The Changing Moods Of The Planet |
| 2nd Place | Susie Moreton | Seasons: An Acrostic Poem | |
| 11-17 Years – Poetry | 1st Place | Niamh Whelan | Roots |
| 2nd Place | Charlotte Cleary | Tree Seasons | |
| 18 Years and Over – Poetry | 1st Place | Michael Chanter | A Journey Round The Sun |
| 2nd Place | Helen Kennedy | Apricity | |
| 10 Years and Under – Short Story | 1st Place | Ava Soards | The Girl In The Shadows |
| 2nd Place | Harriet Knapp | The Birthday That Never Came | |
| 11-17 Years – Short Story | 1st Place | Lucy Varley | The Boy, The Bird |
| 2nd Place | Lucy Varley | The Lake | |
| 18 Years and Over – Short Story | 1st Place | Catherine Ward-Langman | The Fall |
| 2nd Place | Michael Chanter | Dance Of The Four Seasons |
Special Overall Awards
Best Overall Poem Cup
Michael Chanter
Best Overall Short Story
Catherine Ward-Langman
Junior Poet Laureate
Niamh Whelan
Poet Laureate
Michael Chanter