Bournemouth, Events & Entertainment | Posted on January 12th, 2026 | return to news

Bournemouth Writing Festival partners with Waggy Tails Rescue

The writing competition is open to children in Dorset who are invited to create stories and poems about man’s best friend.

Local children are invited to create stories and poems on the theme of ‘Every Dog Deserves a Home’ in the Bournemouth Writing Festival, which this year is being run in partnership with Waggy Tails Rescue from 24 to 26 April.

Open to Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 pupils across Dorset, the competition is designed to encourage creativity, compassion and storytelling skills while highlighting Waggy Tails Rescue’s work in rehoming dogs.

The deadline for entries is Sunday 15 March, and winners will be invited to a special celebration at the Bournemouth Writing Festival in April.

To support participation, the festival is offering a free downloadable educator pack on its website, including: an exclusive video filmed with the Waggy Tails team introducing the charity and its dogs; PowerPoint slides and writing prompts to help teachers guide pupils through the competition; and tips on writing excellent poetry and short stories.

The resources are designed to make it easy for teachers and home educators to integrate the competition into lessons or creative writing activities.

For the fourth consecutive year, writers from the Hengistbury Head Writers’ Group will judge the entries. Winners from each age category will: be invited as a special guest at a Waggy Tails dog show; get published in the charity’s publication; receive a goody bag; be invited to a celebration event on Saturday 25 April at Patch during the Bournemouth Writing Festival; receive certificates; and have their stories or poems displayed at Bournemouth Library.

Going into its fourth year, the double award-winning Bournemouth Writing Festival puts on 100 free and ticketed writing events and activities for people of all ages from 24–26 April. This year, on Saturday 25 April, the first floor of Patch will be taken over with free activities for children, hosted by Artfulscribe, with four ticketed workshops by writing professionals including Erni Salleh and Rohan Gotobed.

Dominic Wong, festival director, said: “Dogs inspire such warmth, empathy and imagination in children. Partnering with Waggy Tails Rescue allows us to celebrate creativity while raising awareness of a brilliant local charity. We hope young writers will join us in telling stories that show why every dog truly deserves a loving home.”

Shelagh Meredith, chairperson for Waggy Tails Rescue, said: “We’re delighted to work with the Bournemouth Writing Festival to encourage children to think about rescue dogs and the importance of giving animals a second chance. We cannot wait to read the entries and meet the winners.”

Competition details, entry forms and downloadable resources are available at www.bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk.

The Bournemouth Writing Festival takes place in venues across Bournemouth Town Centre, with 100 free and ticketed events and activities to inspire writers to write. Activities specifically tailored for children run on Saturday 25 April at Patch (first floor of Bobby’s).