Past Forward Essay Competition 2025

Past Forward writing competition 2022 winners

Do you have a passion for local history? Is there a local history topic that you would love to see featured in Past Forward?

Then why not take part in the Past Forward Local History Writing Competition. This can be about any person, place or thing in our local area! 

The competition has 3 age categories:

  • Adults (18 years and over)
  • 11-18 years
  • 10 years and under.

Essay-winner-Amy.JPG

Competition prizes

Adults (18 years and over)

  • 1st prize - £100 gift voucher
  • 2nd prize - £75 gift voucher
  • 3rd prize - £50 gift voucher
  • Five runners-up prizes of a £25 gift voucher.

11-18 years

  • 1st prize - £35 gift vouchers
  • 2nd prize - £20 gift vouchers
  • 3rd prize - £15 gift vouchers.

10 years and underEssay Winners Under 11s

  • 1st prize - £35 gift vouchers
  • 2nd prize - £20 gift vouchers
  • 3rd prize - £15 gift vouchers.

What do I need to know?

  • Articles must be a maximum of:
    • Adults (18 years and over) - 1000 words
    • 11-18 years - 500 words
    • 10 years and under - 200 words
  • Articles must focus on a local history topic within the geographical boundaries of Wigan Borough
  • By entering the competition you agree to your work being published in Past Forward magazine.

The winning article will be published in Past Forward magazine along with other submissions.

If you are looking for inspiration, take a look at our local photograph collections online, or request a pack for your local township with maps and photos of the local area by contacting Archives: Wigan and Leigh. Or pop into the Archives in Leigh Town Hall and speak to a member of staff, we are always happy to help.

If selected for publication the Past Forward editorial team may edit your submission.

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