Darlington Libraries are inviting everyone to get creative as part of this year’s national Shakespeare Week, taking place from Monday 23 to Sunday 29 March.
The annual celebration gives children across the country the chance to enjoy inspiring early experiences of Shakespeare’s stories, language and characters.
As well as showcasing Darlington Libraries’ collection of Shakespeare’s books, plays and retellings, children aged 4-11 are being encourages to enter the Shakespeare Week 2026 Play‑Inspired Artwork Competition. Young artists can create a piece of artwork inspired by any of Shakespeare’s work – from The Tempest or Macbeth to A Midsummer Night’s Dream – using their imagination and preferred artistic style.
To support budding creators, the Satur‑Yay session at Darlington Library on 28 March (10am-2pm) will offer free opportunities to produce their artwork using watercolours, pens and pencils.
For adults, Shakespeare’s Globe is offering a national script writing competition, with the winning playwright receiving £15,000 and professional development support, including rehearsal drafts with Globe specialists and partner organisations Climate Spring and Fern Culture. Entrants will also gain exposure to leading theatre decision‑makers.
Darlington Libraries is keen to support local submissions, and further information is available in person at the library or online at www.shakespearesglobe.com/jobs-and-opportunities/climate-playwriting-prize-2026
Those looking for a quiet, supportive space to develop their writing can join The Ink Society at Darlington Library or attend The Write Time, Cockerton Library’s relaxed weekly creative session held every Monday at 10am. The session is free, open to all, and includes refreshments.
Cllr Libby McCollom, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for local services said: “Shakespeare Week is a fantastic opportunity for local families to discover the joy of creative writing and gain an engaging introduction to the Bard’s life and works.
“It gives children the chance to explore Shakespeare from an early age, while the artwork competition and library activities provide an enjoyable and accessible way for young people to connect with some of our greatest stories.”
To find out more about Darlington Libraries, the fantastic range of resources it offers and details of events/activities log onto the website at www.darlington.gov.uk/library or download the Darlington Library App. You can also find them on Facebook @DarlingtonLibraries
