Cranmer Awards

The Cranmer Awards are a national public speaking competition organised by the Prayer Book Society. There are two streams, one open to youngsters aged 11-14 (on Feb 1st) and the other for older teenagers aged 15-18 (on Feb 1st). The competition seeks to introduce young people to the language and culture of the Book of Common Prayer (1662), a text which is foundational for the English speaking world.

Entrants read or recite a passage of their choice, 3-5 minutes in duration. Local heats are held around the country, and the winners of the heats go through to the National Final where competitors must recite their chosen passage by heart. Entrants are encouraged to ask a teacher or a priest for guidance on how to prepare for the Cranmer Awards. Ideally suited to students of English, drama or RE, the Cranmer Awards allow young people to experience the sheer magic of Cranmer’s language. Teachers find the Awards a useful adjunct to studies, and students can relate to the Awards in their coursework and examinations. Each school/ college/ church may enter several young people in each category (Senior and Junior).

Cranmer Awards
Area Heats

To learn more please visit www.pbs-salisbury.org.uk and follow the links to the Cranmer Awards where information about the Salisbury Heats and copies of the Competition Rules are available to download.