CHIPPY LIT FEST

So it's that time of year again where the temperamental Spring weather holds us at the mercy of its whims and where the small Cotswold market town of Chipping Norton comes alive as writers and readers of all ages descend on the town for the annual Chipping Norton Literary Festival.

Chipping Norton, I hear you ask? Not exactly London or Cheltenham, is it. Isn't that where David Cameron and his posh cronies quaff champagne over tales of misadventure, power and politics? Doesn't everyone talk about the weather and when the best time is to harvest your rapeseed? Hmmm...perhaps not.

But, since 2012, Chipping Norton has been the location for what has become a terrific little festival, highlighting some of the most popular and diverse names in the world of books.

I've been living in Chipping Norton for nearly fifteen years now and have attended every one of them in that time. ChipLitFest, as it's more commonly known, is the brainchild of Claire Macintosh, former native of Chipping Norton, now a successful author in her own right, whose books have attained huge global sales and hit bestseller lists. Claire no longer runs the festival, but remains a patron, alongside names like Mark Billingham, Fanny Blake and Prue Leith. Great idea to wake up one morning and decide: "this town needs a literary festival." Another thing to actually pull it off.

There is always a buzz in the days preceding the festival as shops, bars and the Town Hall become festooned with posters and banners, baring colourful names and book covers. The streets begin to bustle with unfamiliar faces. often seen later on, retreating into secluded corners of bars, with a pint in one hand and a book in the other. The local bookshop, often a place where mums meet to pass an hour or so with a friend, becomes a hive of activity where conversation concerning all things literary wafts in and out of earshot amidst the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.. it is an intoxicating atmosphere and a place where books matter!

There is something for everyone over the course of four days., all dotted at venues within walking distance of each other, with plenty of time for a drink or even a spot of lunch in between. Perhaps you're here to listen to one of your favourite authors talk about their career and books. Past luminaries have included: Lee Child, Ian Rankin, Matt Haig, Joanna Trollope, Mark Edwards and Mel Sherratt, to name but a few. Even the illustrious Richard and Judy spring to mind.

There are industry speakers covering topics from anything like, how to find an agent to the ins and outs of self-publishing to the state of the literary world as a whole. There are creative writing workshops, poetry readings and much more besides. Local business' benefit from the influx of people and lifelong friendships are often forged. Above all, there is the feeling of being part of something vital. For a small little market town like Chipping Norton, this is a huge achievement to which kudos must go to Claire, the committee, the sponsors, the volunteers and everyone involved in bringing it together, year after year with such fervent zeal.

For writers like me, it is a portal to a world that is often elusive and something that is tangible. Writing is a solitary business and any time one can spend out of that sweat-smelling garret, office, spare room or whatever you call it, and into the sunshine and splendour of a literary festival to mingle with like-minded people, the better.

What festivals like this do, is mitigate the need for a rubber room and a man in a white coat looking over your shoulder, holding a hypo and make you feel less alone instead, if only for four days of the year. It's worth it, wouldn't you say?