1 britisharts.co.uk
Links to contests for painters, some with big-money prizes. See also TheArtList.com, which claims access to some $18m in art-contest prizes (registration required).
2 dailydigitalphoto.com
Yes, there’s a prize on offer — a printer — but it’s the chance of glory that keeps snappers coming back to see if today’s their day. Winners remain in the gallery for several months.
3 screenplaycontests.com
Thousands think they can write film scripts, but only a few get over the first hurdle: finding an agent to represent them. This site brings together links to dozens of scriptwriting competitions. Most offer cash incentives but more valuable is their promise that agents will read the winning entry. The contests are run by film festivals, universities and the like, so it’s most unlikely they’re out to steal your ideas.
4 triviala.com
If you were banned from the Hare and Hounds’ pub quiz for quietly “verifying” answers on your iPhone, you may find this quiz website more forgiving. The better you are, the more “crowns” you win, and these can be exchanged for cash prizes (registration required).
5 ukcompetitions.com
Consistent prizewinners know there’s no substitute for entering as many competitions as you can find. This huge site keeps you updated on all of the UK’s free online contests.