Ellen Cheshire is a film historian, writer and researcher who regularly speaks at Chichester Cinema and other venues.

She contributed a chapter to Silent Women: Pioneers of Cinema, published by Aurora Metro — the press that also campaigned for and funded the statue of Virginia Woolf in Richmond.

It all begins with an idea. As part of the Festival of Chichester 2026, we are delighted to present the Women Writers’ Fest.

A celebration of brilliant women writers from Sussex and beyond. Join us for a full day of inspiring talks, with a chance to meet the authors and purchase signed copies of their books courtesy of Waterstones.

Jess Brown-Fuller, is Liberal Democrat politician. Since 2024, she has been Member of Parliament (MP) for Chichester; she is the first non-Conservative MP for the constituency since 1924.

Jess is the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on justice policy and she will be talking about her experiences as a woman working in politics.

Kevin O'Regan is a Chichester-based author, former teacher and working musician. He writes the four-book Lizzie's War series — classic murder mysteries featuring a young ATA pilot — and his in-depth research for the novels has made him a knowledgeable and engaging speaker on the subject.

James Vaux spent his career in international banking, latterly managing Rothschild's Nordic operations from Stockholm. Fascinated by the region's culture, he completed an MA in Scandinavian Studies at University College London and is now a seasoned speaker with over 100 lectures to his name. He is Chairman of the Oxford University Society West Sussex.

Sandra Lowton is a local historian and former teacher. Drawing on Louisa M. Hubbard's memoir and information from her family, this talk explores the influences on a rich, intelligent woman who had no reason to work herself — but who championed the right and the needs of others who did.

Dr Susan Thomas is a member of the Chichester Women’s History Research Group, helping to uncover the stories of women in the local area. She was previously based at the University of Birmingham, where her research centred on the history of local nineteenth-century radicalism and on exploring lesser-known lives.  

Sheryl Green is a local historian who researches, prepares and delivers talks on WW2 Special Duties pilots and the Allied Intelligence Services. Also on men and women of the SOE and SIS.

She launched her website, Courage In Disguise, in 2022, which explores this further.

Dr Gill Clarke is a writer, curator and former academic who has published widely on twentieth century British art. Her books include Evelyn Dunbar: War and Country and Conflicting Views: Pacifist Artists, and she has curated exhibitions at galleries including Pallant House Gallery, Chichester.

Prof Maggie Andrews is a cultural historian whose work covers the social and cultural history of twentieth century Britain and the representation of that history within popular culture. Her most recent work explores domesticity and the Home Front in World War One and Two.