CAMBRIDGE AUTUMN FESTIVAL
2025 SHORT STORY COMPETITION

NOW OPEN!

Sponsored by our amazing sponsor
Cooney Insurance Maurice Trapp Group

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THE THEME
This year, the story theme is “April Fools”
Since April Fool’s Day falls in the middle of the Autumn Festival, we thought what better theme for this year’s competition! We hope you enjoy this theme – we know the judges are looking forward to judging the stories. Feel free to interpret the theme in whatever way you wish, but your story has to be a work of fiction.

We know the hard work that goes into each and every story, and we can’t wait to see the entries. As well as writing a great story, please remember to check the basics – punctuation, spelling, and word count (your story must not exceed 1500 words).

ENTER AS MANY TIMES AS YOU LIKE!
Entries close 3 February 2025 and entrants can submit multiple entries.

GREAT PRIZES TO BE WON…
FIRST PRIZE: $1,000
SECOND PRIZE: $500
THIRD PRIZE: $250

Word limit is 1500 words. It’s open to all ages and is free to enter.

HOW TO ENTER:
We accept online or printed entries.

TO ENTER ONLINE – click here.
Or to download a PRINTED ENTRY FORM please click Short Story Entry Form 2025.

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Here is the time line for the competition:
Entries close 5.00pm Monday 3 February 2025 and then the judging will begin.
Winners will be notified on or before 21 March 2025.
Winners will be awarded in Cambridge Thursday 27 March 2025.
The announcement of winners will be emailed to all entrants shortly after 27 March, and the entrants who were shortlisted will be advised at that time.

The competition is open to NZ permanent residents (sorry to our overseas friends who want to enter, we love that you want to enter, but this one’s only for NZers).

Happy writing!

 

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