Mayor launches children’s writing competition

The Mayor of Bury has launched a writing competition for Bury children to say why they love living here.

Run through Bury’s library service, it’s part of the National Year of Reading 2026, and is open to all young people who attend a primary school in the borough.

The theme of the competition is “Why I Love the Place Where I Live”, giving youngsters the chance to say - in no more than 200 words - what makes their home town so special.

Any subject about Bury is welcome, and the closing date for entries is 31 March 2026

Pupils can drop off their entries at any library in the borough, or email them to library.suggestions@bury.gov.uk

The winners will receive book tokens, and all entries will be published in a special book that will be available to borrow from Bury Libraries — a wonderful way to celebrate local voices and pride in place.

The Mayor, Cllr Noel Bayley, said: “Our young people have so much talent, as I discovered when I ran our Christmas card competition. I’m asking them to let their imaginations run free, think about what makes their life so good in Bury, and put those thoughts down on paper for everyone in Bury - to read.”

• The National Year of Reading 2026 seeks to tackle the decline in reading for pleasure by inspiring people of all ages to reconnect with reading as something relevant, rewarding, and rooted in their own interests.
• The campaign encourages everyone to “Go All In” — whether they love baking, football, sci‑fi, animals, art… anything!
  Find out more at www.goallin.org.uk

ENDS

Press release issued: 19 February 2026.

Picture: The Mayor of Bury, Cllr Noel Bayley, reading with pupils from Holly Mount Primary School.