The 2026 Bridport Prize

Your words can change everything.

One of the world's most respected creative writing competitions, welcoming writers from everywhere.

Discovering writers who go on to extraordinary things.

  • Kate Atkinson MBE Novelist
  • Gail Honeyman Novelist
  • Kit de Waal Novelist
“A remarkable track record of discovering and nurturing talent.”
Find your form

The competitions

Open now

Poetry

Words for the soul

£5,000 first prize
Closes 31 May 2027 Enter Poetry
Open now

Short Story

Keep it brilliantly brief

£5,000 first prize
Closes 31 May 2027 Enter Short Story
Open now

Flash Fiction

Big stories, instant hit

£2,000 first prize
Closes 31 May 2027 Enter Flash Fiction
Open now

Novel Award

Fiction you can't forget

£1,500 first prize
Closes 31 May 2027 Enter Novel Award
Closed

Memoir Award

A moment of truth

£1,500 first prize
Closes 30 September 2026 View award details
“Winning the Bridport Prize has finally given me the confidence to believe in my writing. It has opened so many doors for me.”
Mohini Singh · 2026 Novel winner

More than a prize

The Bridport Prize is a core activity of Bridport Arts Centre, a registered charity enriching lives through the arts.

Great writing supports a brighter cultural future.

Stay in the story

Never miss a deadline.

Competition dates, results and writing advice, delivered with care.