300 school children aged 11-18 came to Cambridge for a day of writing with YA author, Manjeet Mann and Downing Fellow in English, Bonnie Lander Johnson. Students were given a college tour, an introduction to English at Cambridge, and an opportunity to read their work from the big stage. Quentin Blake (English and Downing alum) provided an original drawing for the students to use as a writing prompt in a post-festival competition. The winning entry will be published in the 2024 edition of Downing’s literary magazine, The Leaves.

Link to First Story website: First Story Young Writers Festival | 30 March 2023