Schools poetry competition 

Thanks to a generous bursary from poet Jean Cooper Moran, Hammond House Publishing launched a region-wide poetry competition to local schools inviting children aged 5-11 to write a poem on the theme of climate change. The results are a rich and dazzling display of local talent - all on display at Litfest26! 

From hand-written haikus to colour-filled free-flow verses, our young poets took some of society's most vital environmental concerns and used incredible descriptives, emotive tones and striking rhythmic beats to create a moving collection of poetry about planet earth today. 

Workshops and Festival fun!

We are thrilled to welcome some of our entrants to the Festival Finale. Pupils will take part in a poetry workshop led by esteemed local poet Paul Sutherland themed around 'helios'. Following a wander round the festival where they will get chance to meet authors and spy some of their favourite books at Waterstones, they are invited to a 'read-aloud' session led by accomplished local writer Tracy Todd where they will get chance to read some of their poetry on the main stage. 

...not forgetting the glittering Awards ceremony when we will announce 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, awarding Waterstones vouchers to each winner and their school along with token goodie bags for every entrant. 

Changemakers

As part of the 'Our Future Starts Here' five-year project led by The Culture House, partnered by Hammond House and other local organisations, pupils will also get the chance to read their poems under Luke Jerram's 'Helios' installation, coming soon to Grimsby Minster.

Thank you to the schools who have taken part and every staff member who has inspired their pupils to pick up a pencil and write!