Turn talent into cash by entering a competition organised by the Writers Bureau. Prize money totalling pound;4,000 will be awarded for poems up to 40 lines in length and short stories of up to 2,000 words. The judges will be Iain Pattison and poet Alison Chisholm. The closing date is July 31. For information, tel: 0161 228 2362. Download an entry form from: www.writersbureau.comresources.htm.

In the footsteps of Hotspur

This year marks the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Shrewsbury between King Henry IV and Henry Percy - or Hotspur - best known as the rival of Prince Hal in Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part 1. A diorama providing a three-dimensional visual interpretation of the battle has just been unveiled at the church of Battlefield, St Mary, in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. Follow the strategies of the combatants from the Wars of the Roses in family or school groups. Information: 020 7213 0679; www.visitchurches.org.uk.

Late art

If you haven’t yet caught up with the Victoria and Albert Museum’s enjoyable Art Deco exhibition, spend a summer evening in South Kensington. Late-night opening, until 10pm, has just been announced for every Friday and Saturday from June 27 to July 19, and Sunday July 20.

Highlights include film of Josephine Baker, a spectacular silver Indian bed and the foyer of the Strand Palace Hotel. Tickets: 0870 906 3883; www.vam.ac.uk.

Talk it out

Join the debate, Science Cannot be Art?, at the Old Operating Theatre, Museum and Herb Garret, London SE1 on July 1. Limited availability. Tickets: www.thegarret.org.uk.