As part of its 950th anniversary celebrations, Chichester Cathedral has launched Write950, an exciting creative writing competition designed to inspire children and young people across East and West Sussex to explore the Cathedral’s fascinating history, characters and sacred spaces through the power of words.
The competition is delivered in partnership with literacy charity Children’s Bookfest, local authors Simon Philip and Ali Sparkes, and Waterstones Chichester who are generously providing a wonderful prize for each category - the opportunity to choose a brand-new book in the Waterstones Chichester store each month for a whole year!
Entrants must be the correct age for their category (see below) by the competition deadline – Sunday 20th July 2025. The winner will be awarded their prize in a special ceremony at Chichester Cathedral in September 2025.
Who can take part?
Anyone living in West Sussex or East Sussex and aged 18 or under are invited to take part.*
There are four age entry levels for those participating:
- Amazing Authors (ages 4–7)
- Adventurous Authors (ages 8–11)
- Aspiring Authors (ages 12–15)
- Ambitious Authors (ages 16–18)
How to take part?
This is a creative writing competition for young storytellers and entries should be no longer than 950 words (there is no minimum word count.)
As this is a celebration of the Cathedral’s 950th anniversary milestone, you are encouraged to take inspiration from the Cathedral’s past and present, including its rich history, characters, spiritual significance or well-known figures.
All stories must be original works of fiction or a made-up story using your imagination.
Entries must be submitted by an adult, this could be a teacher, parent or an organised community group leader.
All entries must be submitted by email before Sunday 20th July 2025: write950@chichestercathedral.org.uk
What can I write about?
You are encouraged to explore the Cathedral’s fascinating history, characters and sacred spaces. From the Cathedral’s extraordinary past to its much-loved present, young writers might imagine medieval pilgrims, recreate real events such as the collapse of the Spire or dream up tales of modern Cathedral characters like Bertie the Cat or Wilfrid the Seal. You might even be inspired by famous figures linked to the Cathedral’s story, including composer Gustav Holst or Eleanor of Lancaster, immortalised in Larkin’s poem An Arundel Tomb.
We can’t wait to see what you write about!
The judging process & prizes
One winner from each age group will be chosen by a judging panel made up of Simon Philip, Ali Sparkes, Katy Roberts from Waterstones Chichester, and Rosie Bradberry from the Cathedral.
Each winner will get the opportunity to choose a brand-new book from the Waterstones Chichester store each month for a whole year as well as a special goodie bag!
Winners will be awarded their prizes in a special ceremony at Chichester Cathedral in September 2025.
Terms & Conditions
- You must live in either West or East Sussex to enter Write950.
- You must be the correct age for your category by the competition deadline – Sunday 20 July 2025.
- Your entry must be submitted by an adult, this could be your parent, carer, teacher or community group leader.
- All entries must be emailed to write950@chichestercathedral.org.uk.
- Please include your full name, age, category you are entering, name of the city, town or village in which you live, school you attend or home educating network you are part of at the top of your entry.
- Entries can either be typed or scanned copies of handwritten work.
- Competition is open from Saturday 14 June to Sunday 20 July during the Festival of Chichester.
- The winners will be awarded their prize in a special ceremony at Chichester Cathedral in September 2025.