Discover Bucks Museum is inviting members of the public to step back into the 1990s and share their personal stories as part of a new creative writing competition inspired by their I Grew Up 90s exhibition.
From Britpop anthems and cargo pants to dial-up internet and cultural change, the 1990s was a truly seismic decade. The museum is calling on visitors and nostalgia-lovers alike to craft a mini memoir of up to 500 words reflecting on their own experiences of growing up, living or coming of age in the 90s.
Entries will be judged by members of the Discover Bucks Museum team. The winner will receive an exciting 90s-themed prize bundle along with an annual museum pass. Second and third place winners will also receive an annual pass. The top three memoirs will be printed and displayed within the I Grew Up 90s exhibition, giving writers the chance to see their work showcased in the museum.
How to enter
Write a mini memoir of up to 500 words (excluding title)
Submit entries by email to [email protected]
Use the subject line ‘My 90s Memoir’
Include your name and contact details
Submissions must be sent as a PDF or Word document
Deadline
Entries must be received by 23:59 (UK time) on Wednesday 28 January 2026.
Winners will be notified on 6 February 2026. Unfortunately, the museum is unable to provide individual feedback on submissions.
Terms and conditions
By submitting your entry you are agreeing to us publishing your work with your name and displaying in the exhibition and online.
All entries must:
Be 500 words or fewer (excluding title)
Be written by an individual (not a group)
Be original prose (not poetry or rap)
Be the author’s own work
Be submitted by the stated deadline
Entries must not:
Be created, written or developed using AI
Contain unsuitable material, including graphic violence, bad language or offensive content
Discover Bucks Museum looks forward to reading and celebrating a wide range of 90s memories that capture the spirit of the decade.
