What's Your Story, Chorley? 2025 Programme by chorley_southribble

Saturday 29 March 2025 11am to 4pm

Chorley’s Annual Festival of Words

Over 30 authors, storytellers, poets, actors and musicians taking part

Free family fun across Chorley town centre

Welcome to

This event celebrates the wonderful world of words and is now in its 10th year!

The event is suitable for all ages with contributors delivering sessions aimed at young children right through to adults.

Join us for our annual festival of words as over 30 storytellers, authors, poets, actors and musicians perform at venues across Chorley town centre.

This year’s event, free to all, on Saturday 29 March from 11am to 4pm, will see performances throughout the day in 10 venues across the town centre.

Getting better year on year, the event welcomes nationally recognised contributors and allows visitors and residents alike to see what Chorley has to offer.

‘What’s Your Story, Chorley?’ is similar in format to the popular Chorley Live weekend held in October. This time it’s all about words, stories, reading, writing and some live music too – there really is something to suit everyone.

‘What’s Your Story, Chorley?’ is organised by Chorley Council in partnership with Chorley Library, Chorley Theatre, Ebb & Flo Bookshop, The Creative Network and a team of dedicated volunteers who have given their time and efforts to organise this inclusive community event.

Performances will start on the hour from 11am with each session lasting around 45 minutes.

Take a look through the programme and plan which sessions you’d like to attend throughout the day.

All venues are free entry*

*The Lancastrian venue has paid for shows, see page 13.

The aims of the event are:

• To establish an annual event in Chorley that helps people to enjoy and discover (or rediscover) the power of reading, writing and listening

• To help grow the creative community in the area

• To encourage people to read and write and to help them discover how enjoyable using these skills can be - reading and writing are such powerful tools that can open up lots of new opportunities for people of all ages

• To attract people into the town centre creating a ‘feel good’ factor and supporting local businesses

Our grateful thanks go to all the independent businesses - and Chorley Library - who volunteer to host this event and we hope that you will also support them throughout the year.

Share your stories of the day and tag us on Facebook and Instagram at Check Out Chorley or Chorley Council.

Creative covers

‘Creative Covers’ is new for this year. Come and see the amazing artwork created by local young people on display across Chorley town centre, Astley Park and ‘What’s Your Story, Chorley?’ venues.

This educational initiative has encouraged school children to express their creativity by designing book covers for their favourite reads. In classrooms across Chorley, students were given freedom to choose any book from the school library or their personal collection and create their own version of the cover. Over 100 have been selected to be on display throughout the event.

CHORLEY LIBRARY – BOOK STACKS

Union Street, Chorley, PR7 1EB t: 0300 123 6703

11am - 4pm

Magical Story Jars

Create a Fun Filled Story Setting With 3D Treasure Maps

CHILDREN

Join Magical Story Jars at Chorley Library for a fun-filled story creation and craft activity - Return of the Rusty Robots! Perfect for children aged four and up, this free, drop-in event invites young storytellers to dream up their own robotic adventures and bring them to life through creativity and craft. No booking required - just come along to Chorley Library between 11am and 4pm and let your imagination run wild among the bookshelves!

Note: Please be aware that photos and video footage may be taken during this session. We ask that those of you who are camera shy and don’t want to be in any footage please make a member of staff aware so we can ensure this does not happen. Thanks.

CHORLEY LIBRARY – JUNIOR

Union Street, Chorley, PR7 1EB t: 0300 123 6703

11am Kathryn Reeves

Giraffes and animals of the African Savannah

A reading from her book ‘Gorgeous Giraffe’, talk about the illustrations and maybe sketch some of the animals and birds of the savannah and to highlight various points in the story. Go through some ‘Giraffe Facts’.

12pm Jen Carney

The Day My School Got Famous

Come along to hear all about Jen Carney’s latest book, The Day My School Got Famous – the second instalment in the hilarious THE DAY MY... series, published by Puffin. Listen to a reading, discover what inspired this story, learn a spot of Makaton sign language, and get your books signed by the author. (Suitable for ages 8+)

1pm Chorley Writers’ Circle

A

Mixed Bag of Treats

An engaging mixture of poems and stories accompanied with pictures for kids, which will also keep the parents amused too! Poems, pictures and punchy prose. Imagine a world where anything goes.

2pm Sean Perkins

The Tales of Oscar and Ben

Introduction of the characters, interactive story time and draw along with Sean and a song related to the story.

3pm Chris Martin

Detective For A Day – All Ages

Chris is a published author of Young Adult fiction and an internationally successful murder mystery playwright. In this practical session, based on his school literacy workshops, he will introduce the first in his ‘Great School Detective’ series of books and ask you to predict... whodunit!!??

CHORLEY LIBRARY – MAIN CIRCLE

11am Caroline Blake

Creative Writing

Offering an introduction to creative writing. Caroline did a 9-month course at The Faber Academy and has also run her own 4-week course locally last summer. The session will be a bit of fun around creating characters with different personalities.

12pm Elaine Vernon

Publishing on Amazon

Discussion on Elaine’s experience of publishing her first book on Amazon - Jack, Reg and the Wrong Bag, a book for children aged 10+.

1pm Gemma Holgate

Writing non-fiction that gets published

As CEO of Maddison House Press, a local independent publishing company, Gemma Holgate works with lots of manuscripts but what makes great non-fiction? Gemma will be taking you through the elements she looks for when publishing self-help and business books, and how you can include them in your projects.

2pm JD Benn

An Accidental Author

He had no intention on writing a novel ‘it just happened’ He will talk about the process and pitfalls of writing your first novel and the many issues associated with self-publishing, why it might not be right for everyone, but it was the right choice for him.

3pm Sarah Wordsworth

Journalling for Joy

Is there an overwhelming hamster wheel of thoughts in your head? Join writer and well-being expert, Sarah Wordsworth, for a workshop of journalling. Learn to use the pen as your greatest ally and liberator in the quest for inner peace and positive change.

1498 @ THE COVERED MARKET

11am Len Pilkington

Acoustic originals/solo

Len is a singer/songwriter from Bolton. You’ll get to hear some great melodies and songs that will speak to you and learn about the importance of being happy!

12pm Glyn Shipman

Yet More Songs from My Kitchen

Modern folk tales of panto, pirates, mystery, murder, mermaids, myths and magic.

1pm Paul Thompson

Jake Thackray Singer of Stories

Paul Thompson performs the hilarious, poignant and poetic songs of Jake Thackray, one of our greatest, funniest and most original songwriters. With tales of wilful widows, devoted dogs, dodgy lodgers, rampant bantam cocks, runaway gorillas and amorous cacti, this will be a storytelling event like no other.

2pm Jack Strickland

Jack Strickland is a singer, guitarist, pianist and songwriter from Chorley. He will be playing some of his own original tracks as a solo act.

3pm Antonia Sharples

Antonia Sharples is a singer, songwriter and guitarist from Chorley. She will be playing some original songs written for both herself and her band.

CHORLEY THEATRE

10 Dole Lane, Chorley PR7 2RL

11am Chorley Writer’s Circle

Wonderfully Woven Poems and Prose

An illustrated eclectic collection by the Circle of poetry and stories, all interwoven with humour, pathos and passion that will engage all.

12pm Allan Gray

Music, Myth & Mayhem

Chalk & Cheeze is a comedy duo and perform fun filled fiestas of spoken word/song pastiches. Ranging from folk to rap, with an operatic duo thrown in for good measure. This well-loved duo is Gordon Zola (20 years as a spoken word/standup comedian) and renowned poet, Eve Nortley who has published three volumes of work).

1pm Lancashire Authors’ Association

Meet the Lancashire Authors

Members of Lancashire Authors’ Association will be performing all genres of literature.

2pm Chorley Creative Writing Collective

The Fun Side of Serious Writing

Fantasy writers, chick lit and crime

Non fiction, self help, sci-fi and rhyme

Whatever your genre, there’s something for you

In all that we say and all that we do!

Come take a seat, the members you’ll meet

A warm welcome awaits you, you’re in for a treat!

3pm Sarah Bee

Ten Years of The Bees Country Kitchen

Come along to find out how the Bees has grown from an idea one summer in Devon to a multinational award-winning restaurant, deli and caterer, with tastes along the way!

CHORLEY THEATRE - BAR

10 Dole Lane, Chorley PR7

11am Caroline James

From Page to Publication

From Page to Publication - best-selling author of women’s fiction, Caroline James inspires you to get writing!

12pm Jonathan Frost Dreams of Eden

Visual presentation and sound (atmosphere (Brian Eno’s Apollo): giving background to Dreams of Eden (SETI/Drake Equation/ Sagan’s Pale Blue Dot). Reading, Q&A and discussion over issues raised by story. Get your books signed by the author.

1pm Mike Wilson

Recovery in Motion, “From The Depths of Despair To Recovery Road and Beyond”

Through poetry and song sharing his story. By this approach those listening will gain a much clearer understanding of the implications of mental deterioration and how the author has miraculously managed to overcome so much to enable him to be the person he is today.

2pm Nicola Hindley BRIDGET

Handwritten letters that were penned from the UK to Borneo back and forth, around 30 years ago. Nicola Hindley invites listeners to hear some of these correspondences, with a narrative of how times and technology have changed as regards communication today.

3pm Phil Baker

I’ll Be 10 Minutes – My Autobiography

Phil will be reading sections of his book he is completing about his life.

CHORLEY TOWN HALL – THE LANCASTRIAN

10am

We’re Going on A Bear Hunt

Ticket price (£2 + Booking fee)

Gambolling Arena will be bringing the performance of ‘We’re Going On A Bear Hunt’ to Chorley Town Hall.

11.30am Kev Sutherland Comic Masterclass

Ticket price (£3 + Booking fee)

As part of the ‘What’s Your Story, Chorley?’ event Kev Sutherland will be joining us to deliver a comic art masterclass at Chorley Town Hall. In every comic art masterclass, participants take away a photocopied comic book containing a strip by every single one of them, a title devised by the group, a cover designed by Kev F, and an individual caricature.

2pm

We’re Going on A Bear Hunt

Ticket price (£2 + Booking fee)

Gambolling Arena will be bringing the performance of ‘We’re Going On A Bear Hunt’ to Chorley Town Hall.

Get your tickets for these fantastic activities via checkoutchorley.com/whatsyourstorychorley.

Spaces may be available on the day, so why not come on down to enjoy the showing and then enjoy going around the town centre to learn even more ways you can tell stories!

11am – 2pm Drop In Session

Bookshop Extravaganza

Visit Chorley’s one and only independent bookshop for a fantastic Bookshop Extravaganza! After 12 years in their tiny shop, Ebb & Flo bookshop are moving to a bigger space, with lots more room for bookish fun with some fantastic children’s authors and illustrators.

Speed Blurbs

Hear all the best bits about the visiting authors’ books; ask them questions; get your books signed.

Draw-along and Craft sessions

Meet fantastic illustrators for mini draw-along and craft sessions.

Goody Bags and Giveaways (while stocks last)

Follow Ebb & Flo on Facebook and Instagram (or pop into the bookshop on the day) to check the schedule and discover which amazing authors and illustrators will be popping in!

All Day Drop In Session

The Astley Hall Short Story Challenge

Take part in our 500-word story challenge! You could write a ghost story, a romance, historical fiction – anything at all. It simply has to be set in Astley Hall. Visit our pop-up museum on Chapel Street to learn about the Hall and the people who lived there.

SHEPHERDS HALL ALE HOUSE

11am Adult Poetry Competition

A new addition to ‘What’s Your Story, Chorley?’ this year is an adult poetry competition sponsored by Shepherds Hall Ale House. Come down to listen to the shortlisted poems and find out who wins!

‘What’s Your Story, Chorley?’ Pre-events

CHORLEY THEATRE

Sunday 23 March, 7.30pm Conclave

Come and enjoy this Oscar-nominated film based on the Robert Harris thriller set in the Vatican, starring Ralph Fiennes.

CHORLEY LIBRARY

Monday 24 March, 5pm – 6pm

Bedtime Stories with Sean Perkins

A very special version of the regular Chorley Library “Bedtime Stories” sessions with Sean Perkins author of many children’s books. Join Sean to hear his stories and enjoy drawing and singing!

CHORLEY THEATRE STUDIO

Wednesday 26 March, 7.30pm

Telling Tales with Martin Hibbert, hosted by Joanne Sefton

A live book event with guest authors and readings, including Martin Hibbert who suffered life-changing injuries in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing and has written about his experiences in the book “Top of the World: Surviving the Manchester Bombing to Scale Kilimanjaro in a Wheelchair”. Tickets are £5 from chorleytheatre.com

Book based events coming up

Chorley Theatre will host these fantastic book based events – make sure to put the dates in your diary:

Thursday 27 March, 7pm - NT Live: Dr Strangelove

Filmed live in the West End and shown on our cinema screen, Steve Coogan plays four roles in a black comedy about the threat of nuclear war, based on the book “Red Alert” by Peter George. Tickets are £12 (£10 with a loyalty card) from chorleytheatre.com

Saturday 10 May, 2pm - The Story Forge: Make Your Own Myth

A pair of very silly history professors forge three new myths from the unhinged minds of their audience - and a boatload of cardboard props! Help shape the stories, and even become the hero yourself (if you want, no pressure), in this EPIC interactive experience. For children and childish adults. Tickets are £12 (£10 with a loyalty card or £39 for a family of 4) from chorleytheatre.com

Wednesday 25 June 2025 – 7.30pm

Telling Tales for children and young people, hosted by Joanne Sefton

Thursday 30 October – 7.30pm

A live book event covering the fast-paced world of children’s fiction. Tickets are £5 from chorleytheatre.com

Telling Tales with Jenn Ashworth, hosted by Joanne Sefton

Local author Jenn Ashworth talks about her work and inspiration in this live book event. Tickets are £5 from chorleytheatre.com

Friday 31st October - 7.30pm

The Magic of Terry Pratchett

Writing Competition for Young People

Author and comedian Marc Burrows explores Pratchett’s life, influences, impact, wit and wisdom in this live event. Tickets are £18.50 from chorleytheatre.com

Each year as part of ‘What’s Your Story, Chorley?’ young people from all the schools in Chorley borough are invited to take part in a writing competition.

This year we have partnered with local author and poet, Dom Conlon who has produced an inspiring video aimed at encouraging creative talents.

This year entrants have been invited to create a poem on the theme of MY UNIVERSE.

All entries will be displayed in Chorley Library from the middle of March for around a month, and a celebration event is to be held on 28 March at Chorley Theatre. All schools submitting entries were invited to attend a special performance featuring Dom Conlon and special guests will present awards to the winners.

Be sure to check out the display in the library which will showcase the fabulous talent we have in Chorley!

A Huge Thank You

A big thanks goes to all the contributors and organisations who have given their time to provide us with stories, poems, readings, music and advice throughout the day.

A thank you to all the venues for hosting the event, and to all the children involved in the creative cover trail.

Continue your story…

If you’ve enjoyed today keep reading, writing and listening by:

Visiting your local bookshop: Ebb & Flo, 13 St Thomas’s Road, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 1HP ebbandflobookshop.co.uk

Visiting your local library: Chorley Library, Union Street, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 1EB lancashire.gov.uk

Join a writing group: Chorley and District Writers’ Circle chorleywriters.org.uk

The Creative Network’s Writers’ Group info@thecreativenetwork.org.uk

Lancashire Authors’ Association lancashireauthorsassociation.co.uk

Would you like an opportunity to share your writing?

In 2024 we launched a new venture called Telling Tales in partnership with Chorley Theatre.

Telling Tales is a live literary evening that brings together a select handful of new writers to share the stage with an invited guest author. Each evening will have a different theme or genre focus, and will include readings, as well as a discussion about the craft of writing, sources of inspiration and pathways to publication. Our next planned event is Wednesday 25 June – for more details on how to get involved visit chorleytheatre.com/tellingtales