The Northern Roots Creative Writing competition has launched

Date published: 21 October 2020


Northern Roots has teamed with Oldham Libraries and local businesses Remedian, Oldham Community Leisure, and Ultimate Products to launch the first ever Northern Roots Creative Writing competition.

The competition is open to anyone who lives, works or studies in Oldham, is free to enter and has three categories: children, young people and adults.

The competition opened on Monday, October 12 and closes on Monday, November 9, 2020.

Find out about the competition, how to apply and prizes at: https://northern-roots.uk/get-involved/northern-roots-creative-writing-competition/

The judging panel features Oldham-based writer Jacqueline Ward, who grew up a stone’s throw from the Northern Roots site, Nawhal Sarwar, a writer and student at Oldham College, and TV and radio presenter Lindsey Chapman.

Jacqueline said: “We often think of stories as something grand, written by professional authors or experienced writers, but anyone can tell stories.

"I can hardly believe that Northern Roots is going to happen right here in Oldham - it will benefit people in so many ways.”

Anna da Silva, Northern Roots Project Director, said: “Alongside market gardening, mountain biking and educational facilities, Northern Roots will develop a vibrant arts and culture offer.

"This could involve anything from large-scale theatrical performance to opportunities for local creatives, makers and communities.

"The Northern Roots Creative Writing competition is our first offer and it’s specifically for Oldham.”

The Northern Roots Creative Writing competition is supported by the generosity of local businesses including Remedian, Oldham Community Leisure and Ultimate Products.

A Remedian spokesperson said: “The Northern Roots Creative Writing competition is a great way to showcase Oldham’s creative talent pool, by providing a platform for people from Oldham to show their creativity, distinctive character and passion.

"As a local company, we want to be part of improving our Oldham community.

"We’re supporting the Northern Roots Project because we’re so impressed by the scope and ambition of the vision for Oldham as a whole community.

"Outside spaces are so important during these current times for people’s wellbeing, mental health and the impact this project aims to have on developing the biodiversity of our environment can only benefit everyone”

An Ultimate Products spokesperson said: “Words provide escapism, something that is very important right now.

"The Northern Roots Creative Writing competition recognises the power of the written word, and the freedom that writing can create.

"As a local company, the Oldham community is incredibly important to us and we want to see our area thrive.

"Northern Roots will boost the local economy by creating jobs, skills and business opportunities.

"Northern Roots is also leading the way for sustainability and being green, and we’re really proud to support this”

Northern Roots is creating the UK’s largest urban farm and eco park on 160-acres of stunning green space in the heart of Oldham.

Developed for and with local communities, the project will generate jobs, skills and business opportunities for local people, whilst preserving and enhancing the biodiversity and environmental value of the site.

You can follow Northern Roots on Twitter (@NorthernRootsOL), Facebook (@NorthernRootsCoop) and Instagram (@northernrootsoldham) for daily project updates and find out more about the project at: https://northern-roots.uk/


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