Radio 1's Greg James to judge Big Issue Christmas Kids Cover Competition

The Big Issue is delighted to announce that BBC Radio 1 DJ Greg James will judge this year’s Big Issue Christmas Kids Cover Competition.

“Wow, what an honour to be judging this year’s Big Issue Christmas Kids Cover Competition,” said James. “It’s a great way to draw attention to the hard-working people who are out on our streets selling magazines to earn an income.

“This year more people than ever will be suffering the effects of higher food and energy bills and it’s usually those on the margins of society who are squeezed the most.”

Since 2018, Greg James has been waking up the nation as the presenter of BBC Radio 1’s breakfast show.

He’s also an author of popular children’s books. Together with newsreader Chris Smith, James wrote the six-book Kid Normal series about a normal boy in a superhero world. A huge hit here in the UK, the books have also been released in 19 other languages around the world.

James had some top advice for entrants to the Kids Cover Competition, and how they can create a cover that fits this year’s theme of ‘Comfort and Joy’.

“When it comes to designing a front cover, I’d love to see a bold and colourful image to attract the attention of potential customers. Humour is always a great idea and can be a powerful way to get a serious point across,” said James.

“But I don’t want to give too much advice because I want their imagination to run wild and really enjoy the process. I can’t wait to see what we get sent in.”

The Christmas Kids Cover Competition is NOW OPEN for entries. Here’s how you can get involved!

How to enter The Big Issue Christmas Kids Cover Competition, judged by Greg James

Get out your pens, pencils, paints or graphic design software and make us a cover that will spread some comfort and joy across Britain through this Christmas. Please use an A4 or an A3 sheet and make sure the drawing is portrait not landscape (ie the drawing is tall rather than wide). Make sure to include THE BIG ISSUE on the cover and send to us by November 25.

The competition is now closed for 2022 but the winning entry will be on the cover of the magazine out on December 12! Remember to pick up a copy from your local vendor. Not sure where your nearest vendor is? Find out from our vendor map, or take out a subscription if there’s not one near you.