A group of Salford children have received awards and been shortlisted for a creative writing competition at The Lowry.

The Lowry’s Creative Writing Challenge saw 16 children aged 7-11 perform pieces of poetry, short stories, and scripts at The Lowry theatre, in front of a prestigious panel of judges, including actor Carla Henry, and writer and actress Samantha Giles. The competition was presented by poet, Tony Walsh and director, Carla Henry.

Little Hulton’s Gabriela Kulacz, 11, won the Short Story category, with Eccles’ Eve Bennet-Mould, 10, Broughton’s Andaz Amin, 11,and Pendelton’s Éowyn McDonald, 9, all shortlisted in the competition.

A pupil from Broughton’s Marlborough Road Academy, Layla, 11, also won the poetry category for her work ‘The Journey’, which was inspired by refugees traveling to unknown places. She said: “My school teacher entered my piece into the competition. It was fun.

“I made a lot of new friends and enjoyed watching the other pieces being performed. Getting up on stage was nerve-racking but the moment I began to read my poem all the nerves disappeared. This has inspired me to write even more and enter more writing competitions. The whole experience has boosted my confidence.”

All shortlisted children and runners-up each received a certificate and book token, with the winners also receiving an original illustration created by artist and illustrator Catherine Booth.

The Lowry’s Creative Writing Challenge is delivered in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, an independent charity dedicated to raising literacy levels across the UK.

Co-host, Carla Henry said: “What a pleasure and privilege to have been part of The Lowry’s first ever Creative Writing Challenge.

“Fabulous memories were made! It was beautiful to see such creative and talented young people sharing their words with such confidence and joy. I felt so proud and inspired!”

Co-host, Tony Walsh continued: “It’s been a delight and an inspiration to be involved with the first Creative Writing Challenge with The Lowry.

“The competition uncovered a huge wealth of young writing talent in all parts of Greater Manchester. To see many of them visiting The Lowry, some of them for the first time, and even taking to its famous stage to share their work, was a night which will live long in the memory.”

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