Winners of Northern Writers’ Awards 2025 revealed
Support and validation for literary hopefuls
Twenty five successful applicants to this year’s Northern Writers’ Awards, which attracted some 3,000 entries, have been named and applauded.
The awards, tailored for different genres and needs, buy time to write for some but validation of their efforts and achievements for all.
Every winner in what is described as England’s largest and longest-running writer development programme is now a name to watch out for.
“I am very grateful and honoured to win this award,” said Princess Arinola Adegbite, from Manchester, winner of a Northern Debut Award for poetry.
“I wrote many of these poems during an unpredictable time in my life and this award has reminded me that, despite circumstances, anyone can make art and beauty out of their life.”
Ian Humphreys, from Hebden Bridge, winner of a Northern Writers’ Award for poetry, said he was “honoured and thrilled” to receive an award for his collection in progress.
He thanked Newcastle-based New Writing North, which produces the awards, and the sponsors (the headline sponsor is Northumbria University but the awards are supported by Arts Council England and others).
Winning the award, he said, would “prove invaluable in giving me the time, space and support I need to fully develop my manuscript”.
The Northern Writers’ Awards are open to applicants from across the North of England and the aim is to create career-making opportunities.
North East winners are: Tony Kerr, from Sunderland (Hachette Children’s Novel Award); Grace Higgins, from Newcastle (Northumbria University Student and Alumni Award); Lizzie Lovejoy, from County Durham (Sid Chaplin Award); Xani Byrne, from North Shields (Arvon Award); Sophi Su, from Newcastle, and Eeva Tudor, from Cramlington (respectively winner and highly commended, Young Northern Writers’ Award: 11-14); Vincent Phillips, from Newcastle (Matthew Hale Award); and Lani Lajani, from Newcastle (Eva Ibbotson Award).
Poet Kathleen Jamie, who was a poetry judge, said while it had been lovely, some difficult decisions had had to be made.
But the judging process, she said, had given “both insight and overview of the wonderful writing being produced at a given moment”.
And she added: “The strength and capacity of people’s creativity will never cease to amaze and delight”.
Literary agent Becky Bagnall, who judged entries for the Hachette Children’s Novel Awards, said it had been “super tricky” due to the quality of the entries.
“However, in the end we found two standout new voices in writing for children and I look forward to seeing their work on the bookshelves in future.”
Will Mackie, senior programme manager (talent development) at New Writing North, said: “The 2025 Northern Writers’ Awards showcase the range and depth of exceptional writing talent in the North of England.
“Through our varied programmes of support, we encourage and support these writers to bring their creative work forward and develop their writing practice.”
Neil Percival, director of cultural partnerships at Northumbria University, said: “Our long-running association as hosts and sponsors of the Northern Writers’ Awards means a huge amount to us.
“The awards are all about unleashing talent, amplifying new voices and boosting creative confidence – shared goals which are cherished at the heart of our partnership.”
The 2025 Northern Writers’ Awards winners in full:
Northern Writers' Awards for Fiction
Kerry Andrew (Hebden Bridge) and Sarah Butler (Manchester)
Northern Debut Awards for Fiction
Sarah Whitehouse (Liverpool) and Fuk Ching Wong (Helena) (Manchester)
Northern Debut Award for Young Adult Fiction
Cat Stobbs (Manchester)
Northern Writers' Award for Poetry
Ian Humphreys (Hebden Bridge)
Northern Debut Awards for Poetry
Princess Arinola Adegbite (Manchester), Fae Wolf (Manchester), Sammy Weaver (W. Yorkshire)
Hachette Children's Novel Awards
Camilla Cassidy (Skipton), Tony Kerr (Sunderland)
Northumbria University Student and Alumni Award
Grace Higgins (Newcastle)
Tempest Prize
J.J. Carey (Leeds)
Sid Chaplin Award
Lizzie Lovejoy (Co. Durham)
Finchale Award
Valerie O’Riordan (Manchester)
Northern Promise TLC Awards
Tammie Meera Ash (Bradford), Ciel Stynes (York)
Arvon Award
Xani Byrne (North Shields)
Young Northern Writers' Award: Winner (11-14)
Sophi Su (Newcastle)
Young Northern Writers' Award: Highly Commended (11-14)
Eeva Tudor (Cramlington)
Young Northern Writers' Award: Winner (15-18)
Charlie Jolley (Sheffield)
Young Northern Writers' Award: Highly Commended (15-18)
Maisie Mair (Sheffield)
Matthew Hale Award: Winner
Vincent Phillips (Newcastle)
Matthew Hale Award: Highly Commended
Haider Nazir (Sheffield)
Eva Ibbotson Award
Lani Lajani (Newcastle)