The Big Imagination Challenge – Mid and East Antrim’s Ultimate Story Dome Competition

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has launched The Big Imagination Challenge, a brand-new Story Dome competition designed to ignite creativity in Primary 7 pupils across the borough.

As part of the Council’s Activate Your Curiosity programme, one lucky class will win a fully funded four-week creative workshop programme, culminating in an immersive storytelling experience inside a spectacular dome.

A Creative Opportunity for Primary 7 Pupils

The Council has partnered with acclaimed local storyteller Vicky McFarland from Tale Time to deliver this unique educational experience.

The winning class will:

• Work closely with Vicky over four inspiring weeks
• Develop an original creative piece
• Blend storytelling with STEAM learning
• See their ideas brought to life inside a fully immersive dome

This initiative merges arts and technology, offering pupils a dynamic, hands-on way to explore creativity, innovation, and storytelling.

Mayor Welcomes Launch of The Big Imagination Challenge

Announcing the competition, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford, described the programme as a powerful opportunity for young minds.

He said the competition allows pupils to see where imagination and curiosity can take them, giving them the chance to watch their ideas leap off the page and surround them in a world they have created themselves.

He added that creativity and innovation go hand in hand and that he is excited to see the incredible worlds pupils will dream up.

Bringing Stories to Life Inside the Story Dome

Over four weeks, the winning Primary 7 class will:

1. Develop characters and narratives
2. Explore storytelling techniques
3. Incorporate STEAM elements
4. Prepare for a grand finale showcase

The final presentation will take place inside the immersive storytelling dome, where pupils will experience their story transformed into a fully interactive environment.

The programme aims to:

• Ignite curiosity
• Boost confidence
• Strengthen creative thinking
• Encourage problem-solving skills

Who Can Enter?

The competition is open to:

• Primary 7 pupils
• Schools within the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area

Entry forms are available online at:

www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/AYC-BIC

Closing date: Friday 27 March 2026 at 12 noon

The winning pupil and school will be notified by Friday 17 April 2026. The four-week programme will be structured to fit within the school timetable.

Find Out More

Schools interested in other programmes under the Activate Your Curiosity initiative can contact:

amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

This exciting new challenge highlights the borough’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of storytellers, innovators, and creative thinkers.