We’re proud to share that Cheltenham Festivals’ mentorship programme, Write Now, has been awarded a 2025 Amazon Literary Partnership grant. This partnership will support our mission to champion underrepresented young voices and break down barriers through the power of storytelling.

Write Now is part of Cheltenham Festivals’ year-round outreach work, helping young people in the local community to build confidence, find their voice and express themselves creatively. The programme supports those who have been permanently excluded from mainstream education and are at risk of engaging with the criminal justice system. Through workshops, mentoring and providing a platform, Write Now empowers young people to find their voices and thrive.

The Amazon Literary Partnership supports non-profit literary organisations, writing centres and community programmes that amplify underrepresented voices. With an aim to make writing accessible to everyone, the scheme works with organisations to ensure that writers from all backgrounds have the opportunity to create and be heard.

With the support of the Amazon Literary Partnership, Write Now will continue to provide more opportunities for young writers to engage with storytelling. The programme will culminate in a co-created event at The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, where participants can share their work with the local community. Find out more about Cheltenham Festivals' learning and participation projects here.