Chalfont Literary Festival

I have great pleasure in announcing the sixth Chalfont St Giles & Jordans Literary Festival, which is to run from 8th – 20th May, 2012.

UPDATE 16TH MAY: THE BOX OFFICE IS NOW CLOSED BUT TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR (AS SHOWN NEXT TO SPEAKER DETAILS HERE)

Our theme this year is “Great Expectations”, based on the bicentenaries of Charles Dickens and Robert Browning. We will also be celebrating the Olympics and Paralympics, monarchy, and other events where maybe the “Expectations” were not fulfilled, such as the sinking of the Titanic.  Also, we are following our practice in previous festivals of holding a variety of events including a forum, a Music Hall, how to self publish and other discussion and reading events. Click here '2012 Festival' or on the link on the left to see programme details.

This year, I am extremely pleased to announce that we have received very generous sponsorship for our themed written competitions for students (aged between 11 and 22).  We are giving first prizes in all classes of £75, £50 for seconds and £25 for thirds. Click here 'Writing Competition' or on the link on the 2012 Festival page for details.

We hope that you will find our Festival of interest. We look forward to welcoming you to The Chilterns. Our events take place in some of our oldest and most interesting buildings. We have a first class choice of restaurants and inns right here in our picturesque village! 

The 2012 Festival brochure giving details of our speakers is now available in printed form and viewable in a browser here.       

Previous festivals: Our first festival was in 2006, and each year is based on a theme. 2008 was a special year for us, as we celebrated the quatercentenary (i.e. 400th year) of John Milton’s birth. Chalfont St Giles has, of course, a strong link with John Milton, who in 1665 fled the Great Plague in London to complete his epic poem Paradise Lost. His cottage has since become the village's famous landmark, as the only surviving home occupied by this often controversial 17th century writer.

In 2010 our theme was “Making History” and the Festival ran between 5th and 16th May. It was our most successful yet and has done more than any previous festival to put Chalfont St Giles and Jordans firmly on the national literary map. Details can be found under the Past Events link on the left of this page.

The festivals include guest authors talking about their own books, creative writing workshops, story telling and recitations. They are designed to appeal to all ages and pupils attending our Infant and Junior schools are encouraged to become involved. The festivals include writing competitions for all ages and each year a substantial number of entries are submitted.

Kathleen Martin

Chairman, Chalfont St Giles & Jordans Literary Festival 2012