Chorlton Book Festival 2025
Chorlton Book Festival returned this September for its 21 year, we had a fantastic line up and program, so we were excited and expecting good things, and it did not disappoint! with loads of engaging author talks, two family fun days, a special Storytime and even a bake off.
With too many highlights to talk about, it’s hard to pick out a few, but here we go-
Jackie Kay renowned poet, playwright, biographer and children’s author treated us to a very special event where she shared personal stories and read from her much-loved work. She performed to a sold-out audience in our library. A special part was Jackie reading her poem; Dear Library.
Author Colette Snowden spoke about her third novel Celeste to a packed house, it was a great night, and she was wonderful, delighting her large audience.
After a career in politics, law and publishing Marcia Hutchinson MBE presented her acclaimed debut novel, The Mercy Step, with a full audience Marcia’s evening event was a great success.
We also enjoyed an illustrated sneak preview of Len Grant’s Chorlton Sketchbook, it was a delightful evening full of stories from his drawing adventures.
For the first time this year we hosted a great bookish bake off, we had some amazing entries from adults and children who recreated their favourite book covers in cake form. It was a wonderful family, community event, with lots of beautiful bookish cakes.
Hopefully this will become a regular addition to the Chorlton Book Festival line-up!
We enjoyed two busy family fun days, both events where full of loads of different arts and craft activities for children and families to do. The creativity in the room was amazing with children and adults making some great things, including superhero capes, animal book marks and hungry caterpillars.
The school Author Day was at Chorlton High School with the wonderful Burhana Islam, Burhana has written some wonderful books including -The Big Breakout, The Dastardly Duo and Mayhem Mission. Many of the students had read these books so were delighted to meet and talk to Burhana, we even had some students come in at lunch time just so they could say hello and take a photo.
Comment from Rachel the school librarian:
“She was absolutely lovely and the students really enjoyed it. I will definitely have her again”
We had the very popular history walk with Andrew Simpson, he took us around Chorlton to explore its history, with stories of the lost hamlet of Martledge, Chorlton’s agricultural past and a few other mysterious tales. The walk started at Chorlton library and ended at the Edge theatre, where we enjoyed coffee and cake. It was a full group, and all had a fabulous and enlightening afternoon.
One Speaker, 28 guests and heaps of history
As we said this is just mentioning a few of the many fabulous events we had this year!
We thank all who got involved for making Chorlton Book Festivals 21st year a fabulous one, it is because of all the wonderful Authors, Poets, Historians and Artists putting on great events that keeps the festival popular and fresh after all these years, and of course all the public and community for attending!
Well done all, See you next year !
