The very first Chelsea Book Festival will raise money for the NSPCC and two more charities from 24-27 September at Petyt Hall.
The new non-profit festival will be a joyful celebration of stories, ideas and imagination, and bring authors and curious readers together for a literary adventure. Proceeds will go towards the NSPCC, Glassdoor and Chelsea Old Church, which is hosting the festival on Cheyne Walk.
Run by a voluntary committee from Chelsea Old Church’s congregation and sponsored by Waterstones, the festival will be host to guest authors including John Simpson, Peter York, Professor Jonathan Boff, Dr Mark Oakley and Jennie Cashman.
On Saturday, 27 September from 10:30am, there will be a free event for families featuringthe author Jennie Cashman, who will be presenting her picture-book Becoming Brave. This will be followed by a 20-minute interactive session and a chance to buy her signed books alongside complimentary refreshments Tickets are free but must be pre-booked at Ticketsource.
The event will be supporting the NSPCC and the vital work it does in keeping children and young people safe. This includes Childline, which provides information, advice and support for children and young people online, on the phone, anytime. Other services include Letting the Future In, available at the NSPCC London and South East Hub which supports children and young people to rebuild their lives after experiencing sexual abuse.
Lois Pelham-Lane, Treasurer of Chelsea Old Church, had the idea of setting up the event from a friend who volunteers at nearby Chiswick Book Festival. Lois has previously been on the NSPCC Kensington Branch committee volunteering and helping with fundraising events.
She said, “We are truly thrilled to include the NSPCC as one of our charities for the first Chelsea Book Festival – a lifeline for children in Chelsea and beyond.”
Binita Shah, NSPCC Community Fundraising Manager for South London, said: “The Chelsea Book Festival is a lovely way for all the community to come together and share a celebration of all different kinds of stories.
“We are excited to see everyone coming together at the book festival and we look forward to this becoming an annual event for years to come. Thank you to everyone who has supported and donated to the NSPCC, helping us to continue our vital work in keeping children and young people safe.”
To find out more information and buy tickets to the Chelsea Book Festival, visit https://www.chelseabookfestival.com/tickets
