More than 30 budding young artists have shared their love for local rivers through art in Transition Bath’s River Avon Poster Competition, held in collaboration with the Wild Waters Festival (31 May – 15 June 2025).
Children aged 7 to 13 from Bath and surrounding areas submitted colourful, imaginative poster designs that celebrated river life – from peaceful wildlife scenes and adventurous human activities to strong environmental messages about pollution and protection.
The competition judges agreed that “Each poster revealed a deep connection not only to the joy of rivers, but also to a strong sense of justice and responsibility.”
Winning entries
After much deliberation, the judges selected winners in three age categories:
- Ages 7–9 – First Prize: Alice (9), Bathampton Primary
- Ages 10–11 – First Prize: Molly (11), Pensford Primary
- Ages 12–13 – First Prize: Eben (13), home-educated
Highly Commended
Phoebe (11), Mabel (10), Rowan (10), Sophia (10), Rose (11), Eddie (9), Isaac (7), Isla (9)
Special Mentions
Imber (8), Jessica (8), Felix (9), Emily (7), Grace (10), Georgie (11), Freddie (11)
Thanks also to the teachers and parents who supported the children’s entries.
Standout submissions included:
- A split-scene image by Alice (9) showing a healthy, happy river on one side and a polluted, lifeless river on the other. (Bathampton Primary)
- Molly’s (11) whimsical image of a heron, within a colourful and beautifully observed riverbank. (Pensford Primary)
- A zany coloured pencil drawing by Isaac (7), with trees, delicate dragonflies and river life, featuring a talking swan and dragonfly.
- Mabel’s (10) expressive painted river scene urging viewers to “Respect Nature”, capturing the vigour of the landscape and the rolling energy of the river’s pathway. (Pensford Primary)
- Eben’s (13) dramatic, regal scene as two towering trees frame the powerful vertical flow of a river or waterfall, while a lone figure in a boat sits in quiet awe.
Winning Entries
Other Entries
Judging panel
The judging panel featured local creatives and environmental advocates:
- Hamish Evans, permaculturist at Middle Ground Growers and founder of We Are Avon
- Darren Willison, Art Teacher at King Edward’s School, Bath
- Finley Highton, Fine Art & Printmaking student, Glasgow School of Art
Judges praised the “artistic flair, emotional impact and strong environmental messages” of the entries. They noted that “the way the young artists responded to the challenge and the visions they offered, of both positive and more compromised riverscapes, offered real hope for the future of our rivers.”
Each winner receives a £30 book token and a river or nature-themed book. Highly Commended entrants receive £10 book tokens. All participants receive River Stickers and personal feedback from the judges to honour their contribution.
Participating schools included Bathampton Primary, Mulberry Park School, Pensford Primary, and St Nicholas Church School (Radstock), as well as numerous individual entrants.
Rod Morgan, Transition Bath trustee and competition coordinator, said:
“From colourful joy-filled scenes to powerful conservation messages, these artworks show just how deeply young people care. Their voices and visions remind us that protecting rivers is not just a responsibility – it’s a shared joy to bring to future generations.”
- Learn about the Wild Waters Festival
- Support the We Are Avon campaign