Marlborough LitFest is excited to launch this year’s national Love Books competition, to celebrate and share a love of reading amongst all ages. Now in its fourth year, this competition is open to anyone across the country in three age groups: 13-15 years, 16-19 years and 20 years and above – with winners in each age category winning £300; runners-up will each win £100. The closing deadline for entries is 30 June 2023.
One of LitFest’s aims is to celebrate the power of reading to shift perceptions and to open up opportunities. The annual LitFest Love Books competition invites participants to explain their choice of a favourite book, poem or play by a written response of up to 750 words. The emphasis needs to be on what entrants love about their chosen read and why they think others should try it. Read here for more information on the competition and to read past winners’ entries.
Judges for 2023 include Judy Carver (daughter of William Golding), writer and CEO of William Golding Ltd, Jan Williamson (ex-Chair of Marlborough LitFest) and Nicola Presley, Senior Lecturer in English Literature at Bath Spa University.
Genevieve Clarke, Chair of the Marlborough LitFest, said: “Entries for our Love Books competition have got stronger every year with young people and adults recommending an impressively wide range of titles. We hope schools, colleges and writing groups will use it as a trigger to get everyone sharing their favourite reads.”