The Cranmer Awards

An annual national competition organised by the Prayer Book Society.

“It’s a really powerful and wonderful thing to hear young people reciting passages, mainly of scripture, from the Book of Common Prayer."

says Bradley Smith , Chairman of the PBS.

Open to young people from all backgrounds and faiths aged 11 – 18, split into Juniors and Seniors (11 – 14 and 15 – 18). Competitors recite passages of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.

Regional heats are followed by a prestigious National Final, where cash prizes of £250, £150 and £100 are offered for section winners and runners up.

The Cranmer Awards FAQ's

How do I enter a candidate for the Cranmer Awards?

Please look for a heat closest to you on the list below and click on the link to contact the heat organiser. If you cannot find a heat, please contact the National Administrator at .

Do I have to live in the diocese of the heat?

No. You can enter any heat which is convenient for you. For instance if you live in Gloucester, you might chose to enter either of the heats in Worcester or Hereford. Some dioceses have more than one heat.

When do the heats start?

If you wish to participate in a Music, Speech and Drama Festival, these are typically held in March, please check with their website. School and Church heats are held in the autumn. Please see list below. Dates will be shown when the venue has been organised.

What is expected at the heat?

Candidates choose a passage(s) from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer and read aloud between 3 – 5 minutes to the audience. The chosen passage(s) should be spoken in a manner appropriate for a church service and any form of dramatization should be discouraged. Heats can be held in school theatres or halls, or churches.

When and where is the final to be held?

The final is held on the last Saturday of February. The final of the 2024 Cranmer Awards will take place on Saturday 24 February at Hampton Court Palace.

What is expected at the final?

Candidates choose a passage(s) from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer and recite aloud between 3 – 5 minutes to the audience. This could be in a large spectacular setting as the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court or a cathedral. The judges will be looking, amongst other things for; clarity and projection; fluency and rhythm; natural, intelligent communication of meaning and secure, accurate, memorisation and timing.