BBC Radio 2 launches 2018’s 500 Words competition

The contest forms part of the Radio 2 breakfast show.

Chris Evans hosts Radio 2’s Breakfast Show.

“This year’s 500 Words is going to be Chitty Bang-tastic! I encourage children across the UK to fire up their creative engines, accelerate their imaginations and go full steam ahead to write us an amazing story and perhaps see us at the live final in June!” – Chris Evans

This morning Chris Evans launched the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show 500 Words short-story writing competition for children aged between 5-13 years of age. He revealed that this year’s live final will take place on Friday June the 8th from the stage of the Hampton Court Palace Festival in the stunning surroundings of the Tudor palace. The competition is now open and the closing date for entries is 7pm on Thursday 22nd of February.

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall returns as Honorary Judge for the competition, and to mark its launch features in a very special animation where HRH is seen flying over the UK in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with Chris Evans behind the wheel! HRH first supported 500 Words in 2015 and has been an Honorary Judge since 2016.

With the live final taking place during the Hampton Court Palace Festival, an annual music event in the grounds, 2018’s competition features a brand new prize for the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners in the two age categories. They will be treated to a ride in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – the amazing car from the legendary movie – around the Palace’s grounds and down to the river where they will have Tea on the Thames on Her Majesty The Queen’s Rowbarge, Gloriana.

At the final, the winners will be announced and their stories read out by some superstar narrators and the show will feature performances from some big music stars. Joining HRH The Duchess of Cornwall on the esteemed 500 Words judging panel are Malorie Blackman, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Jacqueline Wilson, Charlie Higson and Francesca Simon. They will each read the Top 50 shortlisted entries and ultimately decide who will be the Bronze, Silver and Gold winners in each age category.

“We’re thrilled that 500 Words is returning for its eighth year. Last year we had a record 131,798 entries, and I’m so proud that Radio 2 is inspiring children all over the UK to get creative and produce such brilliant stories year after year.” – Lewis Carnie, Head of BBC Radio 2