Veggie Voices – share your story

To celebrate the launch of Veggie Voices at the Whitworth Art Gallery this October, we’re inviting older veg*ns to take part in a special competition – and help make history.

The UK has a proud and often overlooked legacy of veganism and vegetarianism. From suffragettes to politicians, community organisers to quiet trailblazers, many people have been living plant-based lives long before it was fashionable.

Now, we want to hear your story.

Selected entrants will have their film featured in the Veggie Voices exhibition, showcasing real lived experiences alongside pioneers past and present.

Who can enter?

This competition is open to:

• UK residents aged 50+.
• People who identify as vegan, vegetarian, or plant-based.
• Anyone with a personal story connected to their veg*n journey.
• Those happy for their film to be shown publicly.

You don’t need to be famous – we’re looking for authenticity, honesty and lived experience.

What kind of stories are we looking for?

Your story might include:

• When and why you became veg*n.
• What it was like in earlier decades.
• Family, workplace or cultural reactions.
• Activism or campaigning.
• Health, ethics, environment or animal welfare motivations.
• How attitudes have changed over time.

Your story can be serious, funny, political or personal – there’s no ‘right’ angle.

How to enter

Please submit a short self-filmed video telling your story.

Video requirements

Maximum length: 3 minutes

• Orientation: Landscape (horizontal) – essential for exhibition display
• Resolution: Minimum 1080p (full HD)
• Audio: Clear speech, minimal background noise
• Lighting: Well-lit face, no strong backlighting
• Framing: Head and shoulders or mid-shot
• File format: MP4 or MOV

You don’t need professional equipment – a modern smartphone is absolutely fine.

Important quality guidelines

To ensure videos are exhibition-ready and don’t require heavy editing:

✔ Film in a quiet indoor space
✔ Keep the camera still (use a tripod or stable surface)
✔ Speak directly to camera
✔ Use natural or soft lighting
✔ Record in one continuous take
✔ Check your sound before filming

Please avoid:

• Background music
• Filters or visual effects
• Captions or graphics
• Moving the camera while speaking

Videos that don’t meet basic quality standards may not be eligible.

What happens next?

Our panel will review all eligible entries and select stories to feature in:

• The Veggie Voices exhibition at the Whitworth Art Gallery.
• The online exhibition.
• V for Life promotional channels.

Selected participants will:

• Receive full credit.
• Have their story preserved as part of veg*n history.

Deadline

The closing date for entries is 31 March 2026.

Winners will be notified by 1 July 2026.

How to submit

Please upload your video using this link.

Alternatively, you can send it by email to info@vegetarianforlife.org.uk, or by using a file transfer service such as WeTransfer.

Permissions & consent

By entering, you confirm that:

• You are the person appearing in the film.
• You own the rights to the footage.
• You give permission for your video to be exhibited and promoted by V for Life.

Thank you

Every story matters. Whether you’ve been quietly plant-based for decades or part of public campaigns, your experience helps shape the future.

We can’t wait to hear from you.