BCPD Trust and Purbachal Book Club launch 2026 Book Reading Challenge to inspire the next generation of readers

Young readers are being invited to pick up a book, share their ideas and let their creativity shine as BCPD Trust, in collaboration with Purbachal Book Club and event sponsors, officially launches its 2026 Book Reading Challenge for children and teenagers aged 6 to 18.

Building on the success of the last four competitions, organisers are once again encouraging young people to discover the joy of reading while developing confidence, communication skills and a love of presenting ideas. Readers can also look back at the 2025 competition and Awards Ceremony.

The challenge is designed to make reading exciting, helping young people build confidence, strengthen their presentation skills and express their understanding of a book in their own unique way.

Entering is simple. Contestants can choose any book they enjoy and create a short video of between one and three minutes, summarising the story and sharing what makes it special. Videos can be recorded on a mobile phone or digital camera, with the focus firmly on the quality of the presentation rather than polished production. Participants are encouraged to bring energy, imagination and personality to their entries.

Entries will be judged on creativity, engagement and understanding of the chosen book. Dr Nazia Khanum OBE DL from Purbachal Book Club has once again kindly agreed to chair the judging panel and will lead a team of judges in reviewing this year’s submissions.

 Competition entry age groups

  • 6 – 10 years
  • 11 – 14 years
  • 15 – 18 years

 Prizes for each age group

  • 1st Prize Winner Trophy & Samsung Tablet
  • 2nd Prize Winner Trophy & Intelligent Smart Watch
  • 3rd Prize Winner Trophy & Active Smart Watch
  • Judges Special Prize Awards Trophy & Book Voucher

 Entry submission requirements

Entries must be submitted by 31st July 2026 at midnight via the online competition entry form. Hurry enter now as the first 10 entrants can win Free Awards Ceremony gala dinner tickets for two even if you are not short listed. Free Tickets to Awards Ceremony for each short-listed child and one adult. Extra tickets can be purchased and, in some cases, may be available for Free subject to availability. Please contact one of our Trustees for more information. All submitted videos will also be uploaded to the organisation’s YouTube Channel, giving entrants the chance to showcase their work to a wider audience.

The celebration will continue with an awards ceremony in Luton around September or October 2026, where finalists and winners will be recognised. Further details will be shared once the venue and date have been confirmed.

Special guest dignitaries will announce the winners, with prizes presented to the successful entrants in what promises to be a memorable celebration of reading, talent and achievement.

Anyone with questions, or those interested in attending the awards ceremony in September or October 2026, can email enquiry@bcpdt.org.uk or contact one of the trustees listed below.

  • Mr Sundar Ali BEng, CEng MIET (07930 331 591)
  • Mr Ifthekher Alom (07956 230 393)
  • Mr Shahin Uddin (07856 735 358)

BCPD Trust is a registered UK charity based in Luton that has been inspiring young people through education, careers, business and sports since 2011.

Through KS2, KS3 and GCSE tuition, sports and social activities, community support, mentoring, advice, information and guidance, the Trust helps young people build ambition and work towards success in life.

The organisation is led by experienced professionals, including engineers, lawyers and training providers, who are committed to helping the next generation in their community thrive. Visit BCPD Trust for more information.

Purbachal Book Club, established in 2020, is part of Purbachal – the eastern sky – a voluntary social and cultural organisation founded in 1998. The Book Club champions critical reading, thoughtful discussion and the sharing of ideas through books and articles.

Its aim is to bring enthusiastic readers together for lively discussion, debate and reflection on books, articles and related topics. Visit Purbachal Book Club for more information.