Pre-events 

We have some fantastic talks before the fun day of What’s Your Story Chorley? on Saturday (25 March).

Step back in Time for stories with author Susan Brownrigg – Wednesday 22 March at 4pm (Chorley Library). Want to have a go at writing a story set in the past? Published children’s author, Susan Brownrigg, will demonstrate how to dig into the past to find inspiration for terrific tales. Learn tricks for choosing a setting, naming and defining characters and working out what they want in a fun interactive workshop for ages 8 to 12. 

Dr Clive Barker – Friday 24 March at 7pm (Chorley Theatre)

For over 30 years as a Chorley Family Doctor, Dr Clive Barker tried to make things right, but sometimes couldn’t. These are some of the ups and downs, the funny and the sad, of training, practising, and reflecting on medicine. Local retired GP, Dr Clive Barker speaks Birth, Life and Death. The reflections of a retired Chorley GP, still learning. 

Join Dr Clive Barker in Chorley Theatre on Friday 24 March at 7pm. 

Tickets can be purchased via Chorley Theatre here

On the day

Many venues across Chorley including Chorley Library, Chorley Theatre, Primrose Gardens, 1498 Covered Market and our local independent bookshop Ebb & Flo will host our event contributors with sessions starting on the hour from 11am – 4pm.

Popular children’s author Jen Carney will return to the event as she reads extracts from her comedy series, ‘The Accidental Diary of B.U.G.’ and you can ask her about her life as an author/illustrator. 

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House, will also be making a return, talking about the historical events that have happened over the past year as ‘Mr Speaker’. (This is now a ticketed event).

We have had a lot of interest in Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s appearance at Chorley Theatre for What’s Your Story, Chorley? at 11am on Saturday 25 March. To make sure that you get your chance to see Sir Lindsay, please book your free ticket here. Tickets will also be available on the day from Chorley Theatre Box Office if there are any seats left – to avoid disappointment please book early to secure your seat.

A new addition to WYSC 2023, business talk sessions at Primrose Gardens. Local businesses will join us to give their stories about how they became successful in Chorley, the importance of shopping locally to boost the local economy and they will be available to answer any questions you may have about getting set up as a business in Chorley.

Come along to the ‘FRIENDS ARE AMAZING’ session by locals Hughie and Freddie. FRIENDS ARE AMAZING is an inspiring picture book celebrating the importance of friendship and togetherness, written by fundraisers, best friends and Pride of Britain winners Hughie Higginson and Freddie Xavi. In this session Hughie and Freddie will talk about their inspiring journey raising £250,000 for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, and their top tips for being an amazing friend.

Musicians will be telling their story by singing live original songs throughout the day at the 1498 covered market.

Sessions for children will be available to attend at the junior library with, Rogan Mills, Susan Brownrigg, and Rich Alker just some of the contributors whilst others host fun, interactive workshops and sessions for kids.

We may well be miles away from the coast, but at this year’s What’s Your Story Chorley? we’re bringing the coast to you!  Come and let the little ones get hands on and design and create their very own underwater story characters from an array of different craft materials.

From Melanie the friendly mermaid to Marvin the mischievous sea monster, let your child’s imagination flourish with a little help from the story cards found inside our Magical Story Jars.  This underwater adventure story activity is sure to provide the perfect story inspiration and help both young and old have fun together creating their story character and writing an underwater themed adventure story.  Take your crafty creation home to prompt even more underwater stories long after your visit.

The popular, colourful book bench trail will return across the town centre, with thanks to local schools, nurseries and community groups creating these for us. This year there will also be a fun quiz and prizes to be won.

There really is something for everyone!