Schools' & Young People's Programme
From the outset, our work with local schools has always been a very important aspect of the Festival. Each year we aim to provide a range of projects and events to engage young people and enrich the curriculum. The Schools' and Young People's Programming Group talk to teachers about what would be useful and feasible activities to enhance the schools' curriculum activities.
We welcome authors and workshop leaders of diverse backgrounds, cultures, nationalities and genres to inspire our children. We are delighted to involve over 900 children each year in our activities and in 2024 we increased engagement to include Eyemouth High School and Berwick EOTAS (Education other than at School) pupils.
2025 Young People's Anthology
The Schools & Young People's Programme Anthology 2025 celebrates the creativity, imagination and insight of young people from across North Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.
Bringing together poetry, creative writing and literary collaborations from schools across the region, it showcases the remarkable talent of the next generation of writers. Produced with the support of Berwick Town Council, The Siobhan Dowd Trust, Berwick Freemen and The Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust, the programme reached more than 800 young people through free literary activities.
Our recent work 2025 - 2026
During the 2025 Festival the Schools and Young People’s committee, with the backing of Patrons and Sponsors, provided over 700 contacts, to children of all ages in North Northumberland and the Borders, free of charge.
An affiliated event (The Rotary Short Story Competition) attracted a further 238 entries.
We had a close liaison with Berwick Library and provided events to 6 schools in Berwick, and others in Wooler, Alnwick, Eyemouth and Duns, We also offered an event for children not attending any school (EOTAS). All the local Northumberland primary schools were vere offered an event at the Guildhall.
We offered a wide range of activities including; Adventure Babies; Moomin Puppets; 8 different Author Visits; Poetry workshops, Poet visits; Poets for 6 th form, Reconciliation talks and an Illustration Workshop. We also produced an Anthology of the poetry and prompted writing on the theme of Peace, together with shared book recommendations by older students.
In 2026 Education in Berwick is undergoing major reorganisation which will present logistical and organisational challenges, but we have already secured bookings for a major Children’s author, a rap performance poet and a wonderful story teller, amongst other events. We are looking forward to further extending our reach to young people during the 2026 festival season.
Judy Crow
Convenor Schools and Young People’s Programme