Back by popular demand for 2023, the annual Daniel Owen Festival Young Writers’ Competition celebrates all creative writing styles and is open to all 11 to 25 year-olds.

The theme this year is ‘Fast Fashion’ and is inspired by Daniel Owen who was a tailor in Victorian Mold, as well as a prominent author.

Young writers can submit a poem, short story or play in either English or Welsh up to 1,000 words

There are two age categories 11 to 18 and 19 to 25 year-olds. We’re awarding the best writers and runners up in each age category an engraved glass trophy.

The closing date for entries is midnight on Monday 2 October and entries will be judged by a panel of writers. You can find the competition rules here.

A short list will be created and entrants will be notified by 9 October. 

All short listed entrants will be invited to read their submissions, or have them read, at ‘Dance, Song and Stories’ in Daniel Owen Square on Saturday 21 October. During this Daniel Owen Festival event, the winner and runner up in each of two age categories will be presented with an engraved glass trophy.