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: 08/07/26.
Visit Tom Gates EPIC Adventure at Kew Gardens
What? A junior journalist and their family are invited to step into the wonderfully wacky world of Tom Gates at Kew Gardens with Tom Gates EPIC Adventure – a brand-new interactive experience packed with creativity, music, puzzles and outdoor discovery.
Running from 18 July to 31 August, the drop-in event is inspired by the global bestselling Tom Gates books and hit TV series, both created by Liz Pichon, and promises a doodletastic day out in nature for children and families.
When? Any day from 18 July-31 August
Where? Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB
Find out more about the experience at kew.org.
Attend a prehistoric preview evening at Eden Project
What? This summer is getting prehistoric at the Eden Project as, after more than a decade, one of its most loved experiences returns, reimagined.
Hidden (or not so much, in some cases) amongst the lush tropics of the Rainforest Biome are 15 lifelike animatronic dinosaurs and flying reptiles to discover, including a 40-foot T.rex, colossal plant-eaters, hidden raptors and soaring pterosaurs.
The Olivier Award-winning Dinosaur World Live will be putting on captivating performances throughout the summer. A junior journalist is invited to be among the first to see it at an exclusive evening preview.
When? Friday 24 July from 4pm.
Where? Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall. PL24 2SG
Find out more at edenproject.com.
Attend the launch of Horrible Histories Awesome Egyptians
What? History is getting horribly entertaining this summer!
Horrible Histories is bringing its smash-hit Awesome Egyptians to life amongst real Ancient Egyptian treasures at Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold – creating a one-of-a-kind live museum show for families over the school holidays.
Families will meet ‘Ramses’ himself, explore 180 extraordinary Ancient Egyptian treasures and enjoy a hilariously horrible live show packed with gruesome facts, audience participation and the legendary Mummy Rap.
A junior journalist is invited to the press launch night and will write a review of the show for First News!
When? Thursday 30 July at 5pm.
Where? NEON at Battersea Power Station, Cringle St, Nine Elms, London SW8 5BX
Find out more about the show at feverup.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 July.
Where? The Charles Dickens Museum, 48-49 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2LX.
Find out more about the museum’s summer events at dickensmuseum.com.
Visit Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition at NEC Birmingham
What? A junior journalist is invited to Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition, which has just opened at the NEC Birmingham for a limited 12-week run.
After hugely successful runs across thirteen cities including London and Glasgow, this incredible exhibition promises to transport visitors back to Ancient Egypt using a remarkable blend of cutting-edge technology, rich historical narratives and a selection of original ancient Egyptian artefacts and replicas.
A junior journalist will write a report about the visit for First News!
When? Before exhibition ends on 13 September.
Where? Hall 11, NEC Campus, North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT.
Find out more about the exhibition at tutankhamunexperience.com.
Invite to the press performance of Alice in Wonderland
What? A junior journalist is invited to the press performances of Alice in Wonderland, which returns to London this summer. This magical adventure is recommended for ages 5+ and is enjoyable for all ages. Up to four tickets are available for either performance (see dates below), and there will be opportunities post show for pictures with the company.
Your report will also be featured in First News!
Riverside Studios Press Performance: Tuesday 21 July, 3pm. 101 Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, London, W6 9BN
Soho Theatre Walthamstow: Friday 7 August, 2pm. 186 Hoe St, London, E17 4QH
Find out more about the show at www.AliceInWonderlandLive.com.
Visit TIMEWALK, an immersive ancient civilisations journey
What? A junior journalist has the opportunity to visit and write a report on TIMEWALK.
Created as an immersive walk-through adventure rather than a traditional gallery experience, TIMEWALK transports visitors through the shared story of humanity, bringing ancient civilisations back to life at full scale through cinematic storytelling, multi-sensory environments, and cutting-edge technology.
When? Any day from 23 July onwards.
Where? Excel Waterfront, ExCel, London E16 1XL.
Find out more about TIMEWALK at www.timewalkexhibition.com.
Introduce Michael Rosen and MC Grammar to the stage!
What? A junior journalist has the opportunity to introduce two stars to the stage at the Southgate Children’s Literature Festival in north London! Iconic authors Michael Rosen and MC Grammar will be speaking at the event, and the junior journalist will write a short bio on them to read out before they step on stage.
Get in touch to find out more and be involved!
When? Saturday 11 July
Where? Halo Theatre, Chase Side, Southgate, London N14 5PP
Find out more about the festival at southgatekidslitfest.org.
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.