WICKED Launches 2012 Young Writers’ Award

The long-running West End musical Wicked has just announced the third year of its hugely successful Wicked Young Writers' Award. Spearheaded by author of War Horse and former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo, the Award recognises excellence in writing, encourages creativity, and helps develop writing talent in young people between 5 and 25 years of age from all backgrounds and areas of the UK.

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall will continue as Patron of the Award, joined by judges Michael McCabe, Executive Producer of Wicked, William Fiennes, author and founder of literacy charity First Story, and Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Literacy Trust. Throughout 2012, the Award will have a presence at literary festivals and conferences in association with the National Literacy Trust, including involvement in writing workshops at the 2012 Hay Festival.

Michael Morpurgo praised the scheme: "The Wicked Young Writers' Award is something very close to my heart. Last year my fellow judges and I were delighted to read so many stories that were passionately felt and honestly written down, and where the young writers had found their own unique voices. I'm looking forward to another successful year."

Michael McCabe said in a statement: "It is a testament to the success of the Award that we now enter its third year in partnership with the National Literacy Trust and William Fiennes' charity First Story; by combining our respective passion and resources we are proud to continue our commitment to encouraging and inspiring young people's engagement with literacy and creative writing."

Young people can submit entries until Tuesday 31 July 2012. A shortlist of 100 finalists will be announced in the autumn, followed by a special showcase of the winners' entries at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre, home of the award-winning musical. Get involved at WickedYoungWriters.com

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