Two Minute Tales, BBC Northern Ireland’s short story competition for children to inspire young minds during this difficult time.
The second series of the competition was launched on the Lynette Fay Show with Nuala McKeever on BBC Radio Ulster on Monday 27 April and invites children between the ages of five and 16 to get creative by writing a fictional short story based on the theme of ‘Home’. The creative writing initiative, which first launched in October 2019 with the aim of promoting creativity and literacy in Northern Ireland, will complement the BBC’s newly expanded education offering during this time.
Emma Dunseith, Senior Head of Content Production, BBC Northern Ireland, says: “With many families working and studying from home, this initiative is a fun, creative writing challenge. It forms part of BBC Northern Ireland’s commitment to providing educational resources that complement the remote learning being offered by schools and the wider BBC. Two Minute Tales gives children of all abilities the opportunity to be imaginative and inventive.”
Each competition entry must be no more than 300 words and there are three age categories; 5-8 years old, 9-13 years old and 14-16 years old. Nine entries will be shortlisted (three in each age category) and all shortlisted entries will have their story voiced by an actor and broadcast on BBC Radio Ulster in June 2020. A specially commissioned illustration will also be created for all the shortlisted entries which will form part of a downloadable digital storybook.
The three overall winners will have their stories turned into an animation which will be featured across the BBC. The competition is open for entries from Monday 27 April and will close on Friday 15 May. Parents and guardians can submit their child’s entry by uploading it to the Two Minute Tales website.
For terms and conditions and more information visit the Two Minute Tales website.
