2026 Hastings Book Festival Competition shortlists
The competition has these prizes for each of the two competitions, short story and poetry: 1st prize £250 and a trophy, 2nd prize £100, and 3rd prize £50.
There are also two 'Sussex Prizes' for the best short story and poem from an entrant living in East or West Sussex: this prize is sponsored by Starcroft Farm Cabins and comprises an independent two-night writing retreat.
Short Story shortlist
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New Year's Resolution by Abby Fermont, Wilstone
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The First Lambs of Spring by Seán McNicholl, Armagh
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RTA by Julian Le Saux, Cranbrook
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New Beginnings by Rebecca Marshall, Hastings
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A Field Off the Edge of the Map by Seán McNicholl, Armagh
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Petey's Luck by Susan Gilbert, St Leonards-on-Sea
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Cloch na nDeor by Marcin Ostasz, Girona
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Fira's Gift by Valerie Free, Canada
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The Correction by Jordie Black, St Leonards on Sea
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Off Ground Touch by Claire T Allen, Bexhill
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Beneath the Station Clock by Patrizia Pisano, Hailsham
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Two Letters: AI by Bob Baker, St Leonards-on-Sea
Poetry shortlist
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Matador by Robert Heighton, Downham Market
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Lara Croft pops over for a cuppa by Kat Dixon, London
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Poultice by Andy Breckenridge, Brighton
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Common Ground by Mike Gould, Bexhill-on-Sea
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Initiation Again by Ben Fairlight, Hastings
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Sunflowers by Judith Shaw, St Leonards on Sea
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The Stardust Brother by Catherine Sweeney, St Leonards on Sea
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The Afterlife Is A Swimming Pool by Arbër Selmani, Republic of Kosovo
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Mirror by Ellie Scott, London
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I didn't know brown was the colour of grief by Ella B. Winters, Burgess Hill
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Downriver Moritat by Greg Sendi, Chicago
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Bess by Shirley Anne Cook, Uxbridge
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Wall Poem by Tamsin Hopkins, London
Founder’s Prize for Creative
Non-Fiction shortlist
1st prize £75 and a trophy, 2nd prize of £50, and 3rd prize £25.
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Algo Rhythms by Nancy Mamini-Serna, Hastings
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Robert Cornelius takes the world’s first selfie by Al Crow, Bath
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Cross-country by Simon Finch, St Leonards-on-Sea
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Just How it is by Bronwen Griffiths, Northiam, Rye
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Consumed by Isobel Farmiloe, St Leonards
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Welcome to my world by Melvyn Eldridge, Eastbourne
Thank you to everyone who entered
Hastings Book Festival team