2026 D.H. Lawrence Children’s Prize: Writing Competition to celebrate friendship

Lawrence had many great friendships throughout his life with people local to Eastwood like Jessie Chambers and her family, those he met on his travels around Italy and New Mexico, and fellow authors such as Aldous Huxley, E.M. Forster, and Catherine Carswell. These relationships played a crucial role in Lawrence’s life and helped to shape the person he was.

Entrants can submit a short story or poem, no longer than 500 words on the theme of ‘Friendship’ to be in with a chance of winning a prize across three age categories:

• Aged 4-7
• Aged 8-11
• Aged 12-16

First prize in each category will win a Kindle, with runner-up and highly commended prizes of up to £50 in National Book Tokens. There will also be a special ‘Best of Broxtowe’ prize in each age category.

Successful entrants will be invited to an awards ceremony at the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum on Victoria Street, Eastwood. The first prize in each category will have their work entered into a digital exhibition.

Entries close on Sunday 17 May and can be made online or by postal entry. Winners will be notified by Friday 5 June and invited to the award ceremony on 27 June.

More details and terms and conditions can be found on the D.H. Lawrence Children's Prize: Writing Competition web page.

Museum and Collections Officer, Carolyn Melbourne, said, “As well as individual entrants, the competition is a great opportunity for schools to encourage their students’ writing skills, it makes a perfect classroom activity.

I’m so pleased that we can continue to offer this free, exciting learning resource for children.”

Portfolio Holder for Health and Leisure, Councillor Teresa Cullen said, “Seeing our writing competition grow year on year has been wonderful, and every year I’m amazed to see how many entries we get from every corner of the globe.

“It’s such a fantastic way to bring Lawrence’s legacy to the masses, encouraging young people not only from Broxtowe, but the UK and beyond to get creative in true Bertie spirit. We’ve had some truly incredible entries from some budding young writers in years gone by, and I can’t wait to see what entrants produce this time.”

The D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum is where this literary legend was born on 11 September 1885. Only 30 minutes from Nottingham city centre, the Museum is a must see for fans of literature, and for those wanting to delve deeper into Nottingham’s literary heritage.

Step back in time to experience the traditional Victorian wash house, see the parlour; a room only for special guests, and have a wander around the parental and other bedrooms. The museum’s permanent exhibition features items from Lawrence’s family and even paintings created by the author himself.

Find out more at www.broxtowe.gov.uk/dhlawrencemuseum