ChipLitFest 2018 ran from Thurs 26 - Sun 29 April

80 authors spoke at the Festival

There were 51 public events and 17 school-based events

Over 4,500 people attended events

To receive all the latest news, sign up for our newsletter (below) and follow us on Twitter. To become a Festival Friend, support our educational outreach work and guarantee future priority booking, follow this link. 

Be part of our amazing, surprising, inspiring, thought-provoking and fun Festival. 

From a total of 309 entries, judge Rachel Seiffert selected three winners. Rachel couldn't choose between the two runners up so they were awarded joint second place. During ChipLitFest 2018 we held an awards event where the three stories were read aloud by professional actor, Karen Jackson. 

Read all three stories here: the winner is Burials by Rob McInroy and the runners-up are Poppin Down the Chippie by Stephen Atkinson and Last Mother's Day by Eamonn Kirk. 

Thanks to all the participants, to the readers who whittled the shortlist to 10, to pennyshorts.com for sponsorship, and to Rachel for the judging. 

Over the last four years, we have published a collection of short stories written by local children. Inspired by an author visit - this year it was fantasy writer Jasmine Richards - the children from years 5 or 6 then write their own stories which we publish and launch at a special event for all the young writers, their teachers and families. Two copies of the book are given for free to each child. Year 5 pupils from Hook Norton Primary School wrote and illustrated 2018's wonderful collection and all involved should be very proud!

For the last three years, the Book Trade Charity has generously funded School Shorts but we are now looking for a new funder for future editions. 

The ChipLitFest Friends scheme offers members the opportunity to support the Festival and its charitable aims financially. We suggest a minimum donation of £25 but will be happy with any amount you feel able to give. For those with larger pockets, why not join the Family for any donation over £150. A key benefit to Friends and Family is priority booking. A key benefit to ChipLitFest is supporting our work with vulnerable young people. And a benefit to all is sustaining our innovative community Festival that celebrates literature in all its forms. Details about the Friends and Family scheme are here.