What’s Your Story Chorley returns with a month-long celebration of creativity  

Chorley is getting ready to turn the page on an exciting new chapter as What’s Your Story, Chorley returns bigger than ever this March.

The much loved festival of words, stories and creativity is back for a full month of events throughout March 2026, offering something for residents and visitors of all ages.

This year’s programme brings an impressive mix of literature, comedy, workshops, performances, trails and hands-on creative experiences. Activities will take place across Chorley town centre, Astley Park, Chorley Theatre, Chorley Library, Reel Cinema, Ebb and Flo book shop, Market Walk and other partner venues, ensuring the whole community can get involved!

There is a packed programme for 2026, highlights of this year’s festival include:  

• An outdoor children’s book cover exhibition in Astley Park.  

• A book bench library and book swap in Market Walk, open daily. 

• A Comic Con weekend with exhibitors, arcades and cosplay in the Town Hall and discounted movies at Reel Cinema for ticket holders. 

• A talk and book signing with Jodie Ounsley, BBC’s Gladiator Fury.

• A Leo Baxendale comic book trail and superhero art trail to discover across the town centre. 

• Poetry and comic strip competitions, open to adults and young people across Lancashire. 

• A poetry workshop and open mic night with Louise Fazackerley, plus a kid's interactive poetry flashmob!  

• A lineup of live performances, including stand up comedy, interactive storytelling, and family theatre at Chorley Theatre.  

• Workshops spanning everything from acting to poetry, craft sessions, creative writing and more.  

Organised by Chorley Council with support from cultural partners, businesses and volunteers, the event aims to inspire, entertain and bring people together through artistic expression. The festival has grown year-on-year, attracting audiences of all ages and encouraging people to read, write and discover the power of storytelling.  

Councillor Peter Wilson, Deputy Leader at Chorley Council comments, “This year, What’s Your Story Chorley is bigger and better than ever. 

‘’We’re taking it from a one-day event to a month-long celebration, reinforcing Chorley’s commitment to fostering creativity, supporting local talent and giving families meaningful cultural experiences right on their doorstep.

‘’This is exactly the kind of event we will expand on should we become the UK’s first Town of Culture and we invite everyone to check out the programme and get involved.”