The 22nd annual Cheshire Prize for Literature celebrated the region's finest writing talent at the University of Chester, drawing a record 734 entries from across the county. More than 200 guests gathered at the School of Education building on the Exton Park campus for the awards evening, which recognised winners in primary, secondary, and adult categories, including poetry, short stories, children’s literature, flash fiction, and scriptwriting.
Event Highlights and Guest Speaker
The evening was introduced by Professor David McGravie, pro-vice-chancellor and executive dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and hosted by Dr Harry Parkin, senior lecturer in English Language and one of the competition’s judges. Acclaimed author Ele Fountain, whose award-winning novels include Boy 87, Lost, Fake, Wild, and Storm Child, shared insights into her career and the inspiration behind her work. The awards were presented by the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Lynn Pegler.
Judge's Remarks on Exceptional Quality
Dr Harry Parkin said: “The Cheshire Prize for Literature continues to go from strength-to-strength and receiving 734 entries this year is a remarkable achievement. The quality of writing across all categories was exceptional, making the judging process both rewarding and incredibly challenging. What stood out most was the creativity, imagination and originality shown by writers of all ages. From young people taking their first steps in creative writing to experienced authors refining their craft, the standard was outstanding and reflects the vibrant literary culture we have in Cheshire. We are also extremely grateful to Ele Fountain for sharing her experiences and insights with our guests. Her talk was both inspiring and thought-provoking and a wonderful addition to the awards evening.”
Anthology Publication and Future Competition
The evening also marked the forthcoming launch of the Cheshire Prize Anthology, published by University of Chester Press in November, showcasing a selection of the competition’s winning and shortlisted work. The Cheshire Prize for Literature will reopen for entries in November 2026.
Full List of Winners
Primary Poetry
- Winner: Livvy Alexander – Our Teacher’s Detention
- Anthology: Amire Edge – Russian Doll; Anya Carter – Eating Toast
Primary Short Story
- Winner: Cara Simnett – Predators and Prey
- Anthology: Jacob Frost – Such a Ruined Life; Nancy Lewis – The Mystery of the Sparkly Bracelet
Secondary Poetry
- Winner: Ethan Tinarwo – Hourglass
- Anthology: Sophie Naughton – Summer Evenings; Isabella Kyle – Ode to Travel; Scarlett Greensmith – Chained
Secondary Short Story
- Winner: Vanessa Kwok – Count to Three
- Anthology: Saoirse Considine – The Final Meeting Place; Freya Graham – The Talking Dog; Tomos Bedoya – Shortcuts
Adult Children’s Literature
- Winner: Carol Howard – Family Mouse
- Anthology: Susan Hoffmann – Llewellyn the Last; Yvonne Oliver – Star and the Lion; Colin Robinson – The Lady’s Slipper Orchard
Adult Flash Fiction
- Winner: John Paul Davies – Does Bublé Dream of Electric Sheep
- Anthology: Harry Turnbull – Rest in Peace; Jeremy Nelson – Snowblind; Chris Cottom – You Say it’s a Trial Run, Moving into My Cottage, That You’re Not Sure I’m Ready
Adult Poetry
- Winner: Geoff Logan – We Feel in the Same Language
- Anthology: Sarah Leavesley – Shirato no Taki (‘The Waterfall of White Thread’); Christopher Driver – The Wooden Pillow; Roy Gaunt – The Ghost of the Last Wolf, Crying; Elena Croioru-Reed – The Bathing Hour; Andrew Kendall – Deva Partita; Gareth Williams – The Case of Humpty Dumpty; Sian Hughes – Vinyl
Adult Scriptwriting
- Winner: Andrew Hayward – Time Discrepancy Review
- Anthology: Gemma Parry-Paxton – Kitty and Ghengis; Welton B. Marshland – Fan Fiction; Justin Hughes – I’ll Do What I Can
Adult Short Story
- Winner: Margaret Harper – A Time to Weep
- Anthology: Eileen O’Reilly – Hubris; Sarah Ganczarski – Deformity; Die Booth – Stepsister Shoes; Eve Naden – Midnight Train to Crewe; Emily Jayne – Boy Who Dreamed
