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: 06/11/26.
Invite to festive puppetry show The Gingerbread Man
What? Run, run, as fast as you can to come to see The Gingerbread Man when he arrives in London this December!
From his creation in the kitchen to his adventures on stage and his introduction to the world, the gorgeous story follows the Gingerbread Man, the bravest biscuit of all time, as he sets off on the journey of a lifetime.
A First News junior journalist is invited to The Albany theatre in Deptford to write a review of the show.
When? Press performance is Saturday 5 December, 11am start.
Where? The Albany, Douglas Way, London SE8 4AG.
Find out more at thealbany.org.uk.
Invite to performance of Jack and the Beanstalk in Blackpool
What? A First News junior journalist is invited to the press performance of Jack and the Beanstalk. Get ready to climb into Christmas as Blackpool’s No.1 pantomime returns with a colossal, comedy-packed 3D production, bigger, bolder and utterly bean-credible!
A family of four tickets are available for this performance (max two adults). Get in touch to go along and write a review.
When? Press performance is Sunday 6 December, 2pm start.
Where? Blackpool Grand Theatre, 33 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1HT.
Find out more at blackpoolgrand.co.uk.
Invite to performance of Aladdin in Wirral
What? A First News junior journalist is invited to the press performance of Aladdin, Wirral’s favourite family pantomime at the Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.
Expect jaw-dropping staging, breath-taking lighting displays, and scintillating choreography that will sweep you away on a magic carpet ride like never before!
A family of four tickets are available for this performance (max two adults). Get in touch to go along and write a review.
When? Press night is Wednesday 9 December, 6:30pm start.
Where? Floral Pavilion Theatre, Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wirral, CH45 2JS.
Find out more at www.floralpavilion.com/event/aladdin.
Visit the one-year-old rhinos at Cotswold Wildlife Park
What? A First News reader is invited to Cotswold Wildlife Park to meet white rhino siblings Markus and Mo!
They’ve just celebrated their first birthday and were treated to special cakes made from soaked pellets and carrots, decorated with salad leaves.
It marks the park’s ongoing contribution to the conservation of an iconic species. Get in touch to visit them!
Where? Bradwell Grove, Burford OX18 4JP.
Find out more at www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk.
Invite to LOTR parody Fly, You Fools!
What? Fly, You Fools! is a live, shot-for-shot parody of the first film in the iconic fantasy series, Lord of the Rings.
Four performers take on an epic adventure, using physical comedy, live sound effects, character impersonations, mime and theatrical ingenuity to recreate Middle-earth live on stage.
Recommended for ages 8+, a junior journalist is invited along to the London press night to write a review for First News.
When? Press night is Friday 27 November.
Where? Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD.
Find out more at southwarkplayhouse.co.uk.
Invite to Scrooge: Cirque Extravaganza
What? Scrooge: Cirque Extravaganza transforms A Christmas Carol into a spectacular world of contemporary circus, combining aerialists, acrobats, fire performers, music, comedy and theatre. With West End talent, international cirque artists and spectacular staging, this is Christmas entertainment on a whole new scale.
A junior journalist is invited along to a performance in Blackpool to write a review for First News!
When? 10–13 December.
Where? Blackpool Opera House, Church St, Blackpool FY1 1HU.
Find out more at scroogecirque.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.