CHIPLITFEST 2019
ChipLitFest 2019 ran from 25 to 28 April.
We had an amazing lineup of extraordinary authors and our best ever ticket sales. Over 5,000 readers and writers participated in the Festival at events in schools, workshops for the next generation of authors, free lectures, panel events with new and established writers; and some of the biggest names in broadcasting, current affairs and comedy. All against the backdrop of our wonderful town and the support from scores of volunteers, sponsors and Festival friends. Thank you!
THE FESTIVAL IN NUMBERS
96 authors/speakers plus Wolfy the dog
16 non-mainstream school author visits
1 non-fiction writing day
2 primary school visits to inspire short story writing
1 short story competition
16 school visits to inspire reading and writing
1 published book of children’s short stories
1 children’s poetry competition
1 preview event with Prof Jim Al-Khalili
56 Festival weekend events including 15 events for children
1 book launch party
2 awards parties
3 parties for Friends, authors and supporters
4,021 tickets issued, plus approx 1,500 participants at schools and other events.
26 sold out events including almost all the children’s events.
Children's Festival 2019
Our children's programme goes from strength to strength. We had more events than ever at ChipLitFest 2019 including a number of storytelling sessions for our littlest readers and listeners (above, Chitra Soundar, tells tales of snuggling up with mum and a story at bedtime). By using the ACE Centre as our dedicated venue during the Festival, we really hope to encourage children and their families to feel welcome at a huge range of bookish events. Plus delicious cakes that help raise funds for the ACE!
SHORT STORY COMPETITION 2019
The results are in! 300 stories submitted from across the world were whittled down to 12 by our dedicated readers and then judged by writer and editor Nicholas Royle. The three winners will enjoy prizes of £500, £100 and £50 as well as the chance to attend an awards ceremony where their work was celebrated and read aloud. The awards event was free and open to all those interested in meeting the latest generation of short story writers. Huge congratulations to Diana Powell, Colin Brezicki and Sam Derby; to read all three truly impressive stories, click here.
