The Big Guildford Storybook

Events — The Big Guildford Storybook

07/07/2025 until 31/08/2025

This summer, The Friary Guildford is inviting young writers to help us create something truly magical.

We’re putting together The Big Guildford Storybook, and we want your stories to be part of it.

Until 31st August, children are invited to submit short stories based on the theme of Guildford. Whether it’s a mystery in the castle grounds, a time-travelling train from the station, or an unexpected adventure in The Friary shopping centre itself!

30 winning stories will be selected and published in a printed book, launching this September. Each winner will receive a complimentary copy, and all proceeds from book sales will go to BookTrust.

BookTrust programmes and support are designed to help children and families start and continue reading and sharing stories, because they believe it should be a part of childhood for all!

How to enter:

Creative writing tips:

  • Start your story with something exciting to grab attention
  • Think about setting – how can you make Guildford part of your story?
  • Use dialogue to bring your characters to life
  • Download your character development sheet here
  • Most of all, write something you’d love to read!

We’ll also be welcoming a very special visitor later this year, as the Word Wizard will be joining us for a magical story time session to celebrate the launch of the book.

Keep an eye on our website and social media for the confirmed date!

👉 Download your Entry Form here (black and white version available here)

👉 Download your Story Structure Template here (black and white version available here)

👉 Download your Character Development Sheet here  (black and white version available here)

To help inspire your writing the Word Wizard is here and is full of magical tips for crafting the perfect story.

Watch this video for some wizard-approved advice to get your imagination flowing!

 

Terms and Conditions

  1. The promoter is: The Friary Guildford

  2. The competition is open to residents of the United Kingdom, except employees of The Friary Guildford and their close relatives and anyone otherwise connected with the organisation or judging of the competition.
  3. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.
  4. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
  5. Entries are made by dropping off the completed entry form to the centre management office before the competition closing date, or via the email address provided above, before the competition closing date.
  6. The competition will be open for entries until the 31st August 2025.
  7. The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.
  8. The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition.
  9. No cash or other alternatives will be offered in exchange for the prize. The prize is not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability, and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.
  10. The winners will be notified by their contact details on the entry form. If the winner cannot be contacted or does not claim the prize within 14 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner/s.
  11. The promoter will notify the winners when and where the prize can be collected from the centre.
  12. The promoter’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
  13. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
  14. The competition and these terms and conditions will be governed by English law and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England.
  15. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material, as well as their entry. Any personal data relating to the winner, or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current UK data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.

  16. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Instagram or any other Social Network. You are providing your information to The Friary Guildford and not to any other party. The information provided will be used in conjunction with the following Privacy Policy found on this site.

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