A unique opportunity for young

The Beacons Project 2006 offers ten young writers the opportunity to study creative writing and attend talks by literary greats such as Seamus Heaney at this year's Guardian Hay Festival, 26th May - 4th June. Supported by the Ernest Cook Trust, the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, and the Academi, the project encourages students to find inspiration for their writing in this beautiful rural setting.

The Project has been developed to engage participants in a wide range of cultural experience. Creative-writing workshops run by authors performing at the festival, and journalistic experience are among the activities on offer. The students will also be introduced to the culture of the Brecon Beacons National Park, accompanied by National Park guides, and attend talks by leading writers on a diverse range of topics from politics and religion to history and science.

The Beacons Project is open to all young writers studying literature at A-level in Wales. Students wishing to apply should submit a piece of their creative writing. Ten students will be selected to participate. Full accommodation and other costs will be covered by the project.

How to apply
1. Download PDF of application form. Hard copies of the application form are available on request from jen@hayfestival.com
2. Complete the application form.
3. Ask your English teacher to complete the Letter of Recommendation section of the form.
4. Send the completed application form and Letter of Recommendation together with a sample of your creative writing, as specified on the form, to:

The Beacons Project 2006
Hay Festival Office
The Drill Hall
25 Lion Street
Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AD

Deadline for submissions: 30 April 2007.

5. Successful applicants will be notified in early May. We regret that we are unable to return copies of creative writing submissions.

For more information about the Beacons Project 2006 please contact Hannah Hueglin at hannah@hayfestival.com, or Jennifer Hewson at jen@hayfestival.com

“The Beacons Project is a must if Wales is at all serious about fostering young talent in the arts.” Owen Sheers
Award-winning poet and author of The Dust Diaries

For me it’s a fantastic chance to listen to people who have done so much with their lives.
Tayaba Nicholson
Builth Wells High School (Beacons Project 2004)