What's Your Story

Chorley’s popular annual festival of words is to go ahead virtually next month

‘What’s Your Story, Chorley?’ returns on Saturday 24 April with a whole host of online videos featuring stories, poems and tips for aspiring writers.

Organised by a dedicated group of volunteers in partnership with Chorley Council, What’s Your Story, Chorley? aims to celebrate and encourage local residents’ passion for literature.

The event has previously featured special showcases, performances and workshops across a variety of venues.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic means all of this year’s activities will take place online, however there will still be plenty of fun to be had for children and adults alike.

Events include a creative writing competition for children and a virtual Q&A with local author Joanne Sefton, who will be talking about how she got into writing and the inspiration for her books.

There will also be a book giveaway to mark World Book Night (Friday 23 April), plus the return of the always-popular Book Bench Trail.

Councillor Peter Wilson, Deputy Leader of Chorley Council and Executive Member for Resources, said: “I am delighted What’s Your Story, Chorley? is to return next month, albeit mostly in an online format.

“I know from previous years’ events that Chorley residents have a real passion for literature; whether reading, writing themselves, or listening to the many wonderful stories and poems written by others.

“What’s Your Story, Chorley? is a great way to celebrate our love for the written and spoken word, and to inspire people to get creative.

“Although COVID-19 will again prevent us from going ahead with the many live events we would like to have staged across town, there will be plenty of online content for people to get their teeth into.

“I am also excited to see the return of the Book Bench Trail, which will brighten up the town centre, and I hope people are able to check out these brilliant benches while of course remembering to adhere to social distancing and respect others taking part.

“All in all, I am sure What’s Your Story, Chorley? 2021 will be another fantastic occasion.”

The Book Bench trail returns on April 10 when brightly coloured benches - inspired by popular children’s books and designed by local school children - will be scattered around Chorley town centre.

While being mindful of the current COVID-19 guidelines outlined by the Government, residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for the benches and take part in our Book Bench Quiz for a chance to win prizes.

Each bench will have a QR code which will link people to a website with information about the bench, including the inspiration behind it and the school that designed it.

Book Bench Trail leaflets will be available to download from the event Facebook page and website (checkoutchorley.com/whatsyourstory), while some physical copies will be available from selected venues - subject to COVID-19 restrictions. These include Chorley Library, Chorley Theatre, Ebb and Flow Bookshop, and Chorley Town Hall.

Organisers kindly ask anybody taking part to please adhere to social distancing guidelines and respect other people on the trail.

The benches will remain in place until May 9. Those who aren’t able to see the benches in person will be able to view pictures of them on the What’s Your Story, Chorley? event page: facebook.com/events/123231266366264

You can find out more about What’s Your Story, Chorley? at checkoutchorley.com/whatsyourstory