Please see the latest opportunities listed below. If you are interested in any of them, please email [email protected].

Christmas at Blenheim Palace

What? A junior journalist and their family are invited to an exclusive VIP preview night at one of the UK’s most enchanting festive experiences – the return of the iconic Illuminated Trail at Blenheim Palace.

You have until 3 October to get in touch for this one!

When? Thursday 13th November (PM)

Where? Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, Woodstock OX20 1PS

Anansi the Spider: The Greatest Tales Ever Spun 

What? This vibrant retelling of classic West African and Caribbean folk tales follows Anansi, the cleverest spider in the kingdom, known for his wit, charm and mischief but sometimes, being too clever comes at a cost. Brought to life by Unicorn Associate Director Robin Belfield, the show strives to tell stories that celebrate culture, imagination and the boundless creativity of young minds.

Who? A junior journalist aged eight or under and their family.

When? Thursday 9th October 2025 at 2pm

Where? Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, London SE1 2HZ

ZooTown at London Zoo

What? A preview of ZooTown, a miniature conservation zoo for kids to have huge fun and learn about conservation at the same time.

A junior journalist is being invited to imagine their future as they get to try out roles ranging from vets to scientists to zootritionists at London Zoo’s brand-new role-play experience.

Who? A junior journalist aged eight or under and their family.

When? Sunday 12 October at 11:45am (45-minute session).

Where? London Zoo, Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY

Wallace & Gromit with a live brass band

What? A very special double screening of the iconic Wallace & Gromit films The Wrong Trousers (2pm) and A Grand Day Out (4pm), accompanied by the exceptional artistry of the Fairey Band who will perform Julian Nott’s complete live brass musical score.

Who? A junior journalist and their family.

When? Sunday 2 November.

Where? Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 St, Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6HD

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.

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]. Or, get your teacher to sign up to the First News FYI News Club at first.news/fyinewsclub.