The Bridport Prize: Bursaries for Underrepresented Writers
The 2026 Bridport prizes for flash fiction, poetry, short stories, and novels are now open for submissions. These competitions are open to all writers worldwide above the age of 16 and writing in English. The winning entry for each category will receive up to £5,000.
Entries could also be eligible for the following prizes:
- Never Too Late 60+ award
This £500 award is given to the highest placed writer aged 60+ in Poetry, Short Story, Novel and Flash Fiction. The winning piece will feature in their anthology, which counts as being published and opens doors with literary agents and publishers. It also accesses other competitions not available to the public.
The award is championed by their honorary patron and best selling author, Kit de Waal and London Literary Agency, AM Heath.
- Young Writer Award
An award of £500 to the highest placed writer aged 16 to 25 in Poetry, Short Story, Flash Fiction and Novel. The winning piece will feature in our anthology, which counts as being published and opens doors with literary agents and publishers. It also accesses other competitions not available to the public.
Writers can also apply for a 2026 Bridport Prize bursary, which gives underrepresented writers free entry to the Bridport Prize competition in any category. These bursaries have been donated by writers entering the competitions who want to support other writers with their world. All applications are considered in the strictest confidence.
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Enquiries about submissions should be directed to the Bridport Prize. Please always refer to their website for complete details and information.
Please note, this call is run by Bridport Prize, not the Commonwealth Foundation.
