Young Writers’ Competition results

The winners of the twelfth Young Writers Competition, part of the Daniel Owen Festival, were announced on Saturday 21st October during ‘Dance, Song and Stories’ in Daniel Owen Square, Mold. 

Open to anyone aged 11-25, the theme of ‘Fast Fashion’ brought in submissions of short stories and poetry in both Welsh and English. The topical theme was inspired by Daniel Owen who was a tailor in Mold, as well as the foremost Welsh-language novelist of the nineteenth century. 

The competition attracted entries from up-and coming writers throughout the area, with Ysgol Maes Garmon in Mold and St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School in Flint setting a very high standard. 

All fourteen short listed entrants were invited to read their submissions to an appreciative audience during ‘Dance, Song and Stories’. 

The winner in the Welsh language category was Elen Jones from Mold with her outstanding poem ‘Ffasiwn Cyflym’. The judge, Dr Sara Louise Wheeler, described the poem as “Great, and a wise meditation with a twist in the tail”.  The runner-up was Cerys Liversage from Buckley with her short ‘creative non-fiction’ story on Fast Fashion. The winner and runner-up are both students at Ysgol Maes Garmon.

The winner in the English language category was an intriguing story by Oliver Harris from Holywell. The judge, Peter Jones, said that “The work demonstrates imagination and real writing skill”. The runner-up was Sophie from Caerwys, with a strong message about saving resources. The winner and runner-up are both students at St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School. 

Cllr Sarah Taylor, Deputy Mayor of Mold, and Gareth Williams announced the short-listed entrants and presented the prize trophies to the winners. Sarah said it was a pleasure to be involved with such creative young people. 

In July some students at Ysgol Maes Garmon attended creative writing classes sponsored by the Daniel Owen Festival through a Community Foundation, Flintshire award and a Financial Assistance award from Mold Town Council.

This year’s Daniel Owen Festival is taking place from 20 to 27 October. A week packed with literature, music, spoken word, local history and live performances – something for everyone to enjoy.