Chichester Litfest

Bestselling authors Elizabeth Buchan and Margaret Graham are appearing at a new literary festival being launched in Chichester this month.

Chichester Litfest has been announced by CHINDI, a Chichester-based group of independent authors, to support Words for the Wounded, a charity started four years ago by bestselling author Margaret Graham to raise money to aid the recovery of wounded service personnel and create opportunities for writers.

Elizabeth Buchan will speak at one of three events, sharing secrets of how she wrote the Sunday Times bestseller I Can't Begin to Tell You.

Jane Cable, CHINDI member and award-winning author of The Cheesemaker's House, says: "Elizabeth Buchan jumped at the chance to speak at our event. She has been totally amazing - a pure joy to work and it's going to be fascinating to hear what she has to say.

"The lineup is great because it brings readers together with nationally known best-selling authors and local writers. There's a genuine opportunity to meet the writers and talk about their work."

She adds, "As far as I know, Chichester hasn't had a Litfest before, and this is one to raise money for such a great cause.

"We've sold tickets to people living as far away as Weybridge and Wells, which just shows the wide appeal of the events we're organising and the charity we're supporting.

"It's a very tiny start but hugely exciting what it could lead to in future. Injured service personnel need our help and sadly that need isn't going away."

Three events will take place during the festival, which runs on Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18.

It takes kicks off on Saturday with a literary lunch at Woodies Brasserie, St Pancras, Chichester, from 11:30am.

Here, a sumptuous buffet will be served for £25, with £7 going to charity, with dishes including coronation chicken and honey glazed ham, crisp salads and seasonal terrine terrine, followed by chocolate truffle tart and cheesecake.

Guest speakers are Elizabeth Buchan and Margaret Graham, who will talk about why she set yup the charity.

There will be a chance to buy signed copies from the authors and local CHINDI members. 

On Saturday evening at 7:30pm, there will be an informal authors' evening at The Park Tavern on Priory Road, where there will be a live band and a raffle.

Prizes include signed books and £60 wine tasting vouchers, and there will also be books for sale. Free entry.

All proceeds will go to Words for the Wounded.

The festival ends with a Book Swap Breakfast at Carluccios on Eastgate Square at 9:30am on Sunday.

The Breakfast Magnifica is a choice of eggs, smoky pancetta, sausage and sautéed mushrooms, with fresh juice, tea or coffee and a breakfast cocktail.

At the event, there will be a Book Swap table and there is also the chance to buy signed copies from local authors. Entry is £15 with £5 donated directly to the charity.

Words for the Wounded is a charity established by Margaret Graham to raise money to rehabilitate our wounded service personnel.

It is designed to raise funds and create opportunities for writers through competitions and events.

Margaret says: "We are small, but growing and so much more is needed. We at Words for the Wounded are thrilled and grateful that CHINDI are arranging this wonderful event.

 "Every penny helps, and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts, and all those who support the Litfest."

* For more information, visit: chindi-authors.co.uk. To book in advance, phone: 01243779895 for the Literary Lunch or 01243527412 for the Book Swap Breakfast.