The festival’s annual creative writing contest invites budding authors to produce their own super short stories of exactly 50 words – no more, no less – on a given theme or genre. This year’s theme is inspired by the National Year of Reading 2026 “Go All In” campaign, designed to help more people across the UK rediscover the joy of reading.

The National Year of Reading is on a mission to halt the decline of reading for pleasure. Go All In aims to encourage people of all ages to move away from feeling pressured to read, by bringing reading to them through their passions and hobbies. By starting with passion, not pressure, the campaign aims to create a stronger, more connected reading culture across the UK.

Prizes of £30 in book vouchers are up for grabs for the best story in each age category (as selected by a panel of judges). Categories are: – Primary (Reception to Year 6) – Secondary (Year 7 to Year 13) – Adult (18+ with no upper age limit).

Winners and runners-up will also have their stories published on the festival website with the opportunity to read them aloud to audiences during this year’s festival in October.

The closing date for submissions is midnight on Monday 24th August 2026.

To find out more and how to apply please visit our website: www.lincolnbookfestival.org/flash-fiction-competition/

Lincoln Book Festival 2026 takes place over four days from Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th October. The full festival programme of inspiring author events, workshops, performances and family-friendly activities will be published this summer, when tickets will also go on sale.