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].
We update this page regularly with new opportunities. Last updated: 14/05/26.
Attend the London premiere of Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape
What? A First News reader is invited to the London premiere stage adaptation of Dermot O’Leary’s best-selling children’s book Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape!
Meet Toto. She might look like an ordinary cat, but she’s no ordinary feline. Almost completely blind, Toto has incredible ninja skills, a big heart, and a nose for adventure. By day, she naps like any other pet… but by night, she’s out on daring missions with her cheeky brother, Silver.
In their very first adventure, a deadly King Cobra has escaped onto the streets of London, and it’s up to Toto to use every ounce of her courage and cunning to save the day.
After the show, there will be refreshments, a special craft workshop and a chance to meet the puppets from the show!
When? Saturday 6 June at 10.30am
Where? Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, London N1 2EH
Find out more about the show at www.littleangeltheatre.com/toto-the-ninja-cat-and-the-great-snake-escape-tour/.
Attend a book signing for The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
What? The opportunity to go along to an exclusive pre-show talk and book signing with the authors of the New York Times bestselling book The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind and the creative team behind its brand-new musical adaptation.
This bold and uplifting musical brings to life the remarkable true story of William Kamkwamba, a 13-year-old boy growing up in Malawi during a time of devastating drought and famine. Born to subsistence farmers and forced to leave school when his family could no longer afford the fees, William refuses to let circumstance define him.
With his village facing crisis and few believing in his ideas, William turns to ingenuity, scraps of machinery, and the knowledge he finds in books. What follows is a breathtaking journey of resilience and hope, as he sets out to build a windmill that would change everything.
William Kamkwamba joins co-author Bryan Mealer, writer Richy Hughes, composer Tim Sutton and dramaturg George Harrison.
When? Saturday 16 May at 11.30am
Where? 4 Soho Place, Charing Cross Road, London, W1D 3BG
This event is recommended for junior journalists aged 11+. Find out more at sohoplace.org/shows/the-boy-who-qa/.
Tickets to see the show must be purchased separately.
Celebrate Marmalade Day with Paddington
What? To mark the launch of the cast album recording of Paddington the Musical, a huge marmalade celebration is taking place at Paddington train station in London! There will be marmalade tastings, facepainting, picture opps with Paddington Bear himself and much more.
The First News reader who goes along will also receive a free goodie bag and write a report for the paper!
When? Sunday 24 May, anytime from 10am-4pm
Where? Paddington Underground Station, Praed St, London, W2 1HQ
Watch the Red Bull Soapbox Race at Ally Pally
What? Fasten your seatbelts and unleash your imagination: the world-famous Red Bull Soapbox Race returns to Alexandra Palace in June 2026!
On Saturday 20 June 2026, Britain’s most fearless and creative teams will design, build and race their own homemade Soapbox carts down the iconic downhill course, powered by nothing but gravity and courage.
A First News reader is invited along to write a report on the day!
When? Saturday 20 June at Alexandra Palace
Where? Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY
Find out more about the event at www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/red-bull-soapbox-race/.
Invitation to the opening night of War Horse
What? You’re invited to the opening night of War Horse at London’s Olivier Theatre! War Horse is back at its original home following a successful national tour in 2024 and 2025.
At the outbreak of the First World War, young Albert’s beloved horse Joey is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. Too young to enlist, Albert refuses to forget him, embarking on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of wartime France – determined to bring Joey home.
When? Tuesday 2 June at 7pm
Where? Olivier Theatre, National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX
The show is recommended for ages 10+. Find out more about the show, based on the book by Michael Morpurgo, at www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/war-horse/.
Visit to the Gunpowder Mills in Lee Valley
What? Would you like to visit a place with 300 years of curious history and forgotten nature? The Gunpowder Mills in Lee Valley, just outside London, are ready to welcome you for a family day out. You’ll be able to learn about gunpowder production and secret rocket research, and your report from the day will be featured in First News!
When? From 11.30am on any days between 16-23 May, or 16 June.
Where? The Gunpowder Mills, Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1JY
Find out more about the events at the Gunpowder Mills at www.gunpowdermills.com/whats-on-events.
Win a spot at SuperSprint Blenheim Palace
What? The countdown is well and truly on for the return of the Supertri Blenheim Palace. The popular swim-bike-run event will take place on 6-7 June at Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Woodstock.
As well as the adult event, there is a special event for 14 to 15-year-olds on Sunday 7 June. The SuperSprint is a 400m swim/13.3km bike ride/2.9km run. To win a spot in the event and write a report for our Your News pages, ask a trusted adult to get in touch at [email protected]! Good luck!
Find out more at supertri.com.
When? Sunday 7 June
Where? Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1UL
Visit the Brunel Museum in London
What? The Brunel Museum has extended its display and events season related to the French Revolution!
It will host a season of activity relating to the Brunel family’s connection to the French Revolution. A brand-new display will bring together the oldest objects in the Museum’s collection – some on display for the first time.
When? Any day
Where? The Brunel Museum, Railway Ave, London SE16 4LF
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.