Essex Book Festival: Super Short Story Competition
Young people across Essex are being invited to join a Super Short Story competition!
Proudly supported by the Arts and Cultural Fund and to celebrate the 25th Year of Essex Book Festival, young people across Essex are being invited to join a Super Short Story Competition.
The theme is ‘This Land’ and young people between seven to 11-years-old are being encouraged to create stories or poems for the competition inspired by the world around us, the places where they live or visit regularly, nature and wildlife, or simply ANYTHING inspired by Essex.
Winning stories will be announced at the Super Short Story Awards Ceremony by BBC Essex presenter Rob Jelly on Sunday 23 June at the Midsummer Madness Family Fun Day at Cressing Temple Barns, near Braintree (Free entry). Winners and Runners Up stories will be published on Essex Book Festival Website
Stories or poems should be emailed to hello@essexbookfestival.org.uk, along with name, age, and parent/guardian’s email address.
For more information: https://essexbookfestival.org.uk/event/super-short-story-competition
The deadline for entries is Friday 24 May 2024.
Event details
Explore Essex
Search our parks and places to plan your perfect day out

Need to know
Explorer Pass
Save money with your Explorer Pass
Our annual Explore Essex Pass will give you and your family the freedom to explore some of the incredible places and green spaces that Essex has to offer, as many times as you like throughout the year, with free parking at seven country parks, 2 or 1 on Sky Ropes, priority booking on specific events, and 10% discounts at many cafes and visitor centres.
Related events

Summer Magic Trail at Cressing Temple Barns
Add a touch of summer magic to the school holidays with our Summer Magic Trails at the Essex Country Parks...
- Dates:
- July 19 - August 31, 2025
- Venue: Cressing Temple Barns
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Primary School aged children
- Price: Free

Cressing Temple Barns: Make a willow pig sculpture
One day willow weaving pig sculpture course with Jo Hammond
- Dates: September 21, 2025
- Venue: Cressing Temple Barns
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- For adults
- Price: £70 to £80

Place Services: Living with Heritage Assets: How to understand and navigate the planning system
This morning course is designed to provide an understanding of the planning system for those who own a listed building or live within a Conservation Area.
- Dates: September 24, 2025
- Venue: Cressing Temple Barns
- Times: 9:30am - 12:30pm
- For adults
- Price: £45.00