Isle of Wight Short Story Competition returns for 16th year

Isle of Wight charity, Sight for Wight, has announced the return of its annual Short Story Writing Competition, which launched earlier this week (16th June).

Now in its 16th year, the competition continues to mark the charity’s 160th anniversary, a milestone first honoured by its patrons, crime authors RC Bridgestock.

Theme: Superhero
This year’s theme is Superhero, encouraging writers to explore bravery, compassion and extraordinary feats.

Entrants are invited to interpret the theme broadly — from masked vigilantes to quiet everyday heroes.

Open to all ages
The competition includes five categories:

• Under 8s
• 8–11s
• 12–17s
• 18+
• Edana Minghella Award for 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.”

Celebrity readers bring stories to life
Winners’ stories will be read aloud by a celebrated group of readers, including:

• Chesney Hawkes, singer of The One and Only and recent Celebrity Big Brother contestant. This will be his third year reading for the event.
• Richard Cadell, the presenter and hand behind Sooty, returns for his fifth year.
• Andy Jackson, long-time radio voice, now on Easy Radio and Nation Radio.
• Kate Weston, radio presenter with Easy Radio South, joins for her second year.
• Darren Walsh, comedian, animator and pun enthusiast, will also be performing at the Ventnor Fringe on 26th July 2025.

Exciting prizes and celebration event
Winners will receive prizes including family days out and travel vouchers from Red Funnel, Wightlink and HoverTravel.

The competition concludes with an Award Ceremony on Friday 12th December at the Riverside Centre, Newport.

Magician Huxley will add extra sparkle to the event, which is free for all to attend.

How to enter
Entry forms are available by email at admin@iwsb.org.uk or in person from:

• Waterstones, High Street, Newport
• Sight for Wight, Millbrooke House, Carisbrooke Road, Newport
• Dress for Less, Pyle Street, Newport

The entry fee is £8 per story for over-18s. For under-18s, a £2 donation per story is suggested.