Fifth LitFest Love Books competition launched

Marlborough LitFest is excited to launch its fifth national Love Books competition, to celebrate and share a love of reading amongst all ages. This annual competition is part of Marlborough LitFest (26-29 September 2024) and the winners are presented with their prizes at the LitFest opening ceremony. The competition is open to anyone across the country in three age groups: 13-15 years, 16-19 years and 20 years and above – with winners in each age category winning £300; runners-up will each win £100. The closing deadline for entries is Friday 28 June 2024.

One of LitFest’s aims is to celebrate the power of reading to shift perceptions and to open up opportunities. The annual LitFest Love Books competition invites participants to explain their choice of a favourite book, poem or play by a written response of up to 750 words. The emphasis needs to be on what entrants love about their chosen read and why they think others should try it. Entries can be made on the LitFest website, click here and go to the Love Books link.

Judges for 2024 are Judy Carver (daughter of William Golding), writer and CEO of William Golding Ltd, Ben Tarring, Observer journalist and former LitFest committee member) and Nicola Presley, Senior Lecturer in English and Literature at Bath Spa University.                                                                                        

Genevieve Clarke, Festival Chair, said: “It’s a real treat to read the entries to this competition each year, especially as they represent such a rich mix of reading choices. Please spread the word and encourage enthusiastic readers to take part.”

Marlborough LitFest celebrates its 15th year in 2024 from 26-29 September and the festival programme is currently being put together to provide an exciting mix of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children’s authors and free family activities over the festival weekend. The first announcement for the 2024 line-up is LitFest Patron, Sir Simon Russell Beale, talking about his memoir, A Piece of Work, on the evening of Sunday 29 September.

Friends of Marlborough LitFest benefit from priority booking for festival events and a brochure in the post. The full programme will be announced in July when tickets go on sale. For more information and regular 2024 festival programme updates, see the website here for more details.