Literature lovers have the chance to read their favourite poems and prose in a competition to find the best young spoken word performers and creative writers in Hertfordshire.
The Hertfordshire Festival of Words is open to all writers and performers aged seven to 17 to compete at the Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage in March next year. Categories include reading prose and reciting poetry, choral speaking and creative writing in prose and poetry. A trophy and prize will go to the winner of each class.
Competition founder Jean Hughes said the festival gives youngsters an opportunity to develop confidence in public speaking and develop their imagination, but above all to have fun.
Invites have been sent to 400 schools across the county, up from 50 in the first event last year.
The deadline for the maximum 200 entrants is November 30. To enter go to www.festivalofwords.co.uk
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