Junior journalist opportunities
Explore the press opportunities for children and young people in the UK. From press events and festivals to book reviews and competitions, First News helps aspiring reporters gain real journalism experience.
If you are interested in any of the current opportunities below, please email [email protected]. For junior journalist reports, we require 150-200 words and a few hi-res photos of your experience. We welcome reports from everyone, regardless of ability!
We update this page regularly with new opportunities. Last updated: 12/08/26.
Invite to Cinderella: An Immersive Pantomime Experience
What? This festive season, First News junior journalists are invited to a magical ball as National Trust’s historic house, East Riddlesden Hall, is transformed into a festive wonderland for the brand-new show, Cinderella: An Immersive Pantomime Experience.
Set within the beautiful 17th century house and grounds, audiences can journey through the beloved fairytale story, meeting the characters, discovering hidden corners and becoming part of the magic.
Get in touch to go along and write a report for First News!
When? Press night is 4 December 2026.
Where? East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road, Riddlesden, Keighley, BD205EL.
Find out more about the show at tinyurl.com/cinderellapantoexperience.
Invite to the GANBA!! ninja training show
What? A junior journalist is invited to the world premiere of GANBA!! – the interactive ninja training show debuting at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Your whole family can join the action, take on ridiculous challenges and awaken your warrior spirit. You’ll test your focus, teamwork and ability to rise to the moment. But beware! The mischievous Spirit of Batsu is watching, ready to disrupt your training. To succeed, you’ll need to work together and give it everything you’ve got.
You’ll write a report on the show to be featured in First News.
When? Runs until 16 August.
Where? Underbelly Bristo Square Friesian, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG
Find out more at underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/batsu-presents-ganba.
Invite to We Out Here Festival 2026
What? A junior journalist is invited to We Out Here Festival 2026 to write a review for First News!
We Out Here is proudly a family-friendly festival; a space for families to explore and enjoy music, arts, and culture together! Striving to be a safe, welcoming, and above all, joy-filled environment; a place to introduce the whole family to the music you love, while inspiring young minds through creativity, exploration, and play.
Artists announced include Mercury Prize and BRIT nominated south-London singer-songwriter Joy Crookes, legendary jazz-rap trio Digable Planets and UK hip-hop great Kofi Stone.
When? 20-23 August.
Where? St Giles House, Wimborne St Giles, Dorset, BH21 5NA.
Find out more about the festival at weoutherefestival.com.
Visit the Charles Dickens Museum in London
What? It’s set to be a special summer at the Charles Dickens Museum, and it’s opening its doors for a First News junior journalist!
You’ll be taken on a tour of the house in which the famous author wrote Oliver Twist. During the tour, for children aged 5-9, you can find out about the daily lives of the (mostly female) servants who kept houses like this running smoothly.
There will also be storytime sessions for Oliver Twist for those aged up to 8, as well as other activities for all ages.
Afterwards, you’ll write a report on the day to be featured in First News!
When? Any day in August.
Where? The Charles Dickens Museum, 48-49 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2LX.
Find out more about the museum’s summer events at dickensmuseum.com.
Feature in Your News!
If you want to be a junior journalist for First News and go to cool press events or write about something that you’re passionate about, get in touch by asking a trusted adult to email us at [email protected].
Write a book review and have it featured in First News!
Do you have thoughts on a book you have read recently that you want to share with others? Why not write a book review for us? Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Write 100-120 words on any type of book – chapter books, graphic novels, fiction, non-fiction… even audiobooks are all welcome! No person, reader type, format or genre is excluded
- Tell us what the book is about, what you most enjoyed about it, how the book made you feel and if you had any favourite parts
- Suggest which type of reader would enjoy it
- A picture of the reader holding the book is welcome, too, but not essential
- You could even submit a review as a whole class
Send all book reviews in to [email protected] or by clicking the button below.