The charity committee of the Bar of Northern Ireland has launched a new public speaking competition for school-aged students. The "Voices for Good" competition is open to participants from Primary 5 through to A Level age.

The competition will allow young people to speak in a courtroom setting. Entrants will be assessed on confidence, communication skills, and creativity.

All funds raised through the competition will go to Marie Curie Northern Ireland, the Bar's designated charity of the year for 2026.

Finalists will present their speeches in an actual courtroom at the Royal Courts of Justice. An adjudication panel will include a sitting judge, a senior barrister, and a junior barrister.

Laura King, a barrister who chairs the charity committee, said the competition aims to help young people develop confidence and communication skills. She noted the initiative also supports Marie Curie and could become an annual event.

The competition entry deadline is 6pm on 16 October 2026. Further details are available on the Bar of Northern Ireland website.