Join us in the atmospheric Baronial Hall at Manchester's medieval Chetham's Library for the announcement of the UK’s biggest literary awards for unpublished work, awarded by the UK’s most successful writing school.

Since it was established by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy in 2008, the Manchester Writing Competition has awarded more than £135,000 to its winners. We will be awarding two £10,000 prizes at this year's special festive event: the Manchester Poetry Prize for best portfolio of poems and the Manchester Fiction Prize for best short story.

The evening will open with a drinks reception and there will be short readings from each of the poetry and fiction finalists before judging panel chairs Nicholas Royle and Adam O'Riordan offer their thoughts on this year's submissions and the winners are announced. Regular hosts James Draper and Matthew Frost return to present the evening and judges Mona Arshi, Bonnie Greer, Pascale Petit and Angela Readman will be there to celebrate the UK's biggest literary awards for unpublished writing.

All are welcome and entry is free but advance booking is essential. Please reserve your places via Eventbrite to guarantee admission. Drinks reception from 7pm; ceremony starts at 7.30pm. Short-listed pieces will be available to read via www.manchesterwritingcompetition.co.uk in November.

The Manchester Writing Competition is sponsored by Macdonald Hotels & Resorts and delivered in partnership with Manchester Literature Festival.

Our official accommodation partner Macdonald Hotels & Resorts are pleased to offer a 15% discount to visitors to the Manchester Poetry and Fiction Prize Gala staying at the Maconald Manchester Hotel & Spa at Piccadilly. Just quote code "CBF" when booking via www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk or call +44 (0) 161 272 3200. Subject to availability.

The Manchester Writing Competition's £10,000 Poetry and Fiction Prizes are open to entries until 29th September 2017. For full details, and to enter online or by post, visit: www.manchesterwritingcompetition.co.uk.