Young Writers’ Summer
Ready for a summer bursting with ideas and creative energy? With music, art, poetry and books? Well done, you’ve found Young Writers’ Summer.

Get creative this holiday!
New Writing North’s free summer programmes take place across the North East. They are for young people aged 11-19 to try fun writing projects and meet like-minded people in a relaxed, friendly and inclusive environment. Join us to work with professional writers and artists and other young people to make something new this summer.
Is it for me?
Lots of different people take part in our summer programme. Some of them already attend our weekly Young Writers’ Groups, some attend our Young Writers’ City partner schools, while others are looking for fun new stuff to do during the holidays.
Either way, you’ll meet new people and spend a fun few days being creative and trying out new ideas. Everyone aged 11-19 is welcome and we’re excited for you to join us.
How much does it cost?
We want everyone to be able to access our Young Writers’ programme, including our summer programme and our weekly writing groups, so we fundraise to make the entire programme FREE to take part in. Hooray!
Parents and guardians, if you would like to support us to keep the programme free throughout the year, you can do so by donating when you register for the summer programme of your choice.
How do I sign up?
Find your perfect summer activities and sign up via the links below. Spaces are limited and usually become fully booked, so register soon if you hope to join us.
Make sure to keep up to date with our Young Writers news by signing up to our newsletter.
What's On:
Pick n Mix Writers
26 – 28 July, 10am-3pm each day
Venue: Caedmon Hall, Gateshead Central Library
Pick n Mix is a jam-packed programme of creativity with something for everyone! Come along to meet other creative young people, alongside our brilliant professional writers. Over three days, you’ll try out a range of writing, with everything from poetry and prose to songwriting, playwriting and writing for games.
Everyone is welcome, no experience necessary. Come and get creative!
Young Songwriters' Summer
3, 4, 7 August, 2-6pm each day
Venue: ReCoCo / Loft Studios
Do you want to try lyric writing or have a go at setting your words to music? In this three-day programme of songwriting led by professional musicians, you will meet other young writers and create your own tracks in a professional recording studio.
Everyone is welcome. No experience necessary. Bring along a musical instrument if you have one, or just come along and give it a go!
Record the Future
9 – 11 August, 10am-3pm each day
Venue: Newcastle Civic Centre
Create your own podcast! Learn how to script, record and produce your own podcast or audio drama with us as part of Novum Festival, a new summer festival in Newcastle. You will work with other young writers and professional artists to come up with ideas and produce a new audio piece to be presented as part of the festival programme.
Dream Libraries
30 August – 1 September, 10am-3pm each day
Venue: The Word, South Shields
What would you put in your dream library? Over three days join us on this flight of fantasy as you work with professional artists and writers, and other likeminded young people, to try a range of creative writing projects themed around the dream library. Every book-lover’s idea of heaven!
Everyone is welcome, no experience necessary. Come along and get creative!
Keep your eye out for more activities to be announced in the West End of Newcastle and the Newbiggin Hall Estate.