Get creative about the highlights of life in Leighton-Linslade

A campaign to encourage creative writing, poetry or prose, that describes or reflects the highlights of living in Leighton Buzzard and Linslade has been launched.
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In November 2020, during Government restrictions for Covid-19 Leighton-Linslade Town Council received the poem ‘Leighton Buzzard’ written by resident Naomi Janes, accompanied by a photograph taken by Craig Sweetman which inspired the poem.

This led the council to start up its competition, which has four categories for entries:

> Geography & Nature: Paying tribute to the location and geographic qualities of the town, this category covers any natural area, natural landmark or wildlife native to this area, paying homage to the natural beauty of Leighton-Linslade. This includes parks and open spaces.

Leighton-LinsladeLeighton-Linslade
Leighton-Linslade

> Man-made: Leighton-Linslade is steeped in history but is also rich with modern development. This category covers man-made features of our town, from the iconic spire at All Saints’ Church, to the bustling High Street and market. From the simple joy brought about by playgrounds to the reflective serenity of the cemeteries.

> Events: One of the biggest draws to the town is the calendar of much-loved events. The Canal Festival, Band Concerts, Proms in the Park, The Big Lunch etc. are all missed by many at the moment, and entries to this category should aim to evoke the atmosphere, smells, noises and excitement.

> My Leighton Buzzard@ Creative writing is as unique as the writer, and for those who prefer not to be guided by a category, but would like to express what living in, or visiting, Leighton-Linslade means to them in their own way, this is their category.

This competition is an uplifting look at what we previously enjoyed (maybe took for granted) and what we hope to return to soon. As such, entries should not mention ‘Covid-19’ ‘virus’ or ‘pandemic’.

Entries may be emailed, posted, delivered by hand to the White House (as part of permitted daily exercise) and sent via social media. As winners will be on the website, entries can be no longer than 300 words. All work should be original.

By entering, the author agrees to their work being on the website and all work will be credited to the author. The closing date is Friday, February 26.