The Portico Library now runs 4 competitions which all open 9 October 2026.

The Portico Art of the Book Award, open to Pupil Referral Units and schools and departments with Special Educational Needs in Greater Manchester, closes midnight, 12 February 2027

The PSMAwards Short story and Book review competitions, open to all 7 – 18-year-olds, anywhere in the world, close midnight, 22 March 2027 NB: The short story must be set in the North of England. The review may be of any book, fact, fiction, poetry or graphic novel.

New for 17-18-year-olds is a Mentorship with Manchester’s The Writing Squad: Portico Sadie Massey Award Mentoring – The Writing Squad Visit the website homepage on how to apply. Closes 26 April 2027

This year’s judges are writers Curtis Jobling, Liz Flanagan, Susan Brownrigg and Queer as Lit Bookshop owner, Matthew Cornford.

For the full eligibility criteria, rules and regulations, visit this webpage.

Or email: psma@theportico.org.uk