Chagword - Dartmoor's Literary Festival in Chagford

The inaugural festival weekend ran from 15-17 March 2013, and it is back again from the 13-15th March 2015. Chagwood is biennial event.

Chagword aims to establish Chagford as a focus of literary excellence by attracting high quality speakers, nurturing and showcasing local writing talent, and providing new opportunities for local people to experience literature in direct, accessible and dynamic ways.

The event received an Arts Council of England grant in October 2014 which has helped the organisers pull-together a fine programme for the 2015 gathering. Great to see the event getting traction.

When? Next festival March, 2017

Where? Chagford, Dartmoor

Who? 2017 TBA

Website? Chagword

Social Media?

Twitter? @Chagword

Facebook? https://www.facebook.com/Chagword

Organising Group 2015?

Jo Diffey - Festival Coordinator

Melissa Brooks - Programme

Helen Chapman - Finance, Grants & Sponsorship

Chloe Brooks Warner - Secretary

Kate Diffey - Press

Previous Festivals? Established in 2013.

2015 - Deborah Moggach, Andy Mulligan, Sandra Greaves, Blake Morrison, Vic Groskop, Geraldine McCaughrean ++(see below)

The inaugural festival weekend ran from 15-17 March 2013, and there were a number of run-up events from May 2012 onwards.

Past authors appearing? Philip Reeve, Johnathan Dimbleby, Kathy Lette, Miriam Darlington

About Chagford

( text and pictures courtesey of http://www.visitchagford.com/)

Chagford, in the heart of Devon, lies on the edge of legendary Dartmoor National Park and is close to the beautiful River Teign. Easily accessible from Exeter, it is an important stopping point for visitors venturing to the picturesque South West of England. As a famous Stannary town, Chagford has an exciting and vibrant history and, over hundreds of years, has evolved into a very special, popular and charming place you won't want to miss!

Chagford People

Chagford loves visitors and there is plenty to do both in and around this delightful Dartmoor town. Family businesses abound and you will enjoy the slow and unhurried pace whilst you relax, chat, browse and soak up the atmosphere.

Shopping

An endearing mix of funky and traditional, Chagford is exceptionally popular with visitors for its charming town square, its wealth of fascinating independent shops, its famous festivals and the undisputed warmth of its welcome. You will adore the numerous arts and crafts galleries and the traditional general stores that have been trading here for generations.

Festivals and Fun

Chagford is always buzzing and there are lots of events taking place throughout the year including renowned literary and film festivals. Check this website regularly for updates.

A Taste of English History

This is an exceptionally good place to discover English history and legend at its best. Chagford has a wonderful character with many beautifully preserved 15th and 16thcentury buildings including the famous octagonal market house. A Chagford bride who was shot dead on her wedding day at the local church is believed to have been the inspiration behind RD Blackmore's classic novel Lorna Doone.

Heaven for Foodies

Chagford is sheer bliss for lovers of food and drink with some seriously top-class restaurants, a range of superb hostelries and some great lunch spots.

Places to Stay

Chagford is a fabulous place for an idyllic stopover or a longer visit, with a choice of excellent hotels, a wonderful range of B & Bs plus delightful farm stays to suit every budget.

Nearby

Dartmoor is a glorious wilderness with granite tors, sparkling rivers, lots of wildlife and the renowned Dartmoor ponies. There are some spectacular guided walks plus horseriding and cycling. Rock climbing, canoeing and abseiling can all be arranged. Castle Drogo, the last castle to be built in England, sits above the picturesque and ancient Teign Gorge.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Chagford very soon.

To read more about what's onclick here

To choose and book accommodation for your visit click here

To read more about Chagford's history click here

To read more about Chagford's famous legends click here

To read more on what to do and where to visit during your stay click here

To find out more about St Michael's Church click here