Liverpool Hope University has announced details of an exciting new video competition for schools - with £4,000 worth of prizes up for grabs.
And what’s more, acclaimed screenwriter and novelist Frank Cottrell Boyce - famed for movies like The Railway Man and Millions, as well as TV shows such as Doctor Who - will be on the judging panel.
The University’s ‘Hope Springs Eternal’ contest will begin in earnest today, in partnership with Merseyside-based Morecrofts Solicitors and the Joyce Lund Charitable Estate.
It’s open to all of Hope’s partner schools across the UK.
And the idea is for groups or classes to submit a short video clip, no more than 60 seconds long, demonstrating the theme ‘Hope Springs Eternal’ in whatever creative way they wish.
Debbie Ryan, of Hope’s School of Education and co-organiser of the competition, says: “We’re really excited to launch our Hope Springs Eternal competition, as we look to give pupils, parents and staff a positive point of focus - and a sense of hope and excitement - during times of upheaval and uncertainty caused by the global pandemic.
“We’re looking for short videos to illustrate what ‘Hope Springs Eternal’ really means to school groups or classes.
“And the video itself could be anything - whether it’s drama, performance, dance, art, a poetry reading, a voiceover or even a recipe.
“We encourage everyone to be as creative with entries as they like, and we’re very much looking forward to seeing what amazing things schools come up with.”
The overall winner will receive £1,000 for school resources of the institution’s own choice.
Meanwhile there will also be six runner up prizes of £500 each, again for school resources.
Joining Frank Cottrell Boyce on the judging panel is comedienne, actress, singer and presenter Pauline Daniels.
Pauline, a former presenter on BBC radio Merseyside, reveals: “I’m delighted to have been asked to take part in the judging of this competition. Bringing all our young people together to encourage expression, performance and creative thinking is a powerful and inspirational exercise.
“We have an outstanding pool of talent in this region - let’s find some new shining stars! My advice to those taking part comes in the words of Shakespeare: ‘Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.’”
Alison Lobb, Managing partner of Morecrofts Solicitors, adds: “When Hope approached us to discuss partnering up to launch this competition, the decision to get involved was easy. Bringing people together through such an up-beat initiative is always a brilliant idea with such a positive aim.”
“At Morecrofts we pride ourselves in our work with communities, and at a time like this, working with young people to promote good mental health, excitement and creativity is so important. Good luck to everyone entering the competition – I am looking forward to viewing the winning entries.”
The competition will officially launch today, with the closing date for entries Friday 26th March.
All partner schools will be sent an entry pack with full details of the competition and of how to enter.
For further information: https://sites.google.com/hope.ac.uk/lhu-hope-springs-eternal/home