York Festival of Writing Bursary – Jericho Writers
Jericho Writers
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The York Festival of Writing Kit De Waal Bursary

The York Festival of Writing is back for the first time since 2019. It runs from 2-4 September 2022 and, for the first time, we’re inviting a Writer in Residence to join us for the Festival.

We’re delighted that award-winning author and advocate for working-class writers, Kit De Waal, is our first Writer in Residence. We will be offering one free place at the York Festival of Writing to a UK-based carer in her name. 

To apply, you’ll need the first 500 words of your writing project, along with information about your caring responsibilities and what impact winning this bursary will have on you and your writing.

This bursary is now closed.

What’s included?


The Kit De Waal Bursary will cover travel from inside the UK to attend the festival, as well as an all-access full weekend ticket, worth £695. Full entry tickets to the York Festival of Writing include:

  • 2 nights in a single en-suite room on-site at the University of York
  • All meals throughout the weekend
  • Access to over 70 workshops, mini-courses, and keynote addresses
  • Two agent 1-2-1 sessions
  • A seat at the three-course Gala Dinner and other evening activities
  • Morning yoga and meditation classes
  • An entry into the Friday Night Live pitching contest.

Eligibility Criteria


This bursary is specifically open to authors who are primary care-givers. To apply for the bursary, you must:

  • Be available for the dates of the York Festival of Writing (2-4 September 2022). Unfortunately, we are unable to cover interim care costs while the successful writer attends the Festival.
  • Care for or look after a family member, friend or other individual, due to disability, chronic or terminal illness, mental health difficulty, drug/alcohol dependency or another reason.

Kit De Waal Bursary

This bursary recognises the unseen and often unacknowledged work that carers do and how, for many, their own needs are overlooked or put aside.  Carers who are also trying to write find they are squeezing their writing into the cracks rather than carving out some meaningful time to really work on their craft.  Here is a bit of time and space for you away from other responsibilities, just for you.

Kit De Waal

York Festival of Writing 2022 Writer in Residence
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