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If you feel like winter is dragging its heels and you need something to look forward to, we have news for you: WAMFest is back with a packed programme of events to inspire, engage and entertain.

 

For the fifth year running, WAMfest, which champions Women in Arts and Music, will celebrate International Women’s Day with live music, literature and performance featuring dozens of talented women right here in Felixstowe.

 

Our live music launch event ‘WAMfest Introduces’ will take place at The Alex Brasserie on Saturday, March 7 and will showcase music from across the genres - acts are to be confirmed.  For 2026 we are thrilled that our very own WAMBand will make their stage debut. Formed just a few months ago, this joyous project aimed to give anyone who wanted to be in a band the opportunity to do just that, and we think you will love the results.

 

Sunday, March 8 will see a full programme of events at The Orwell Hotel. The ‘Felixstowe Song’ written by Chandra Grover and Felixstowe  Harmonies will be performed followed by a workshop launching the day in new music. 

 

Women  writers will take centre stage when we welcome highly popular authors Sally Harris and Erica James  who will talk about their acclaimed published works and some in the pipeline!

 

WAMfest’s ‘WAMjam’  session will take place before lunch with 6 authors sharing their work and the experience of writing and getting published. 

 

If you are serious about being a writer, why do an MA?  Join us for an overview of the University of Suffolk’s MA in Creative and Critical Writing course. Dr Amanda Hodgkinson award winning novelist and founder of the University of Suffolk’s Talking Shop Press (which publishes the highly successful anthology series focussing on original stories set in Suffolk) will invite current MA Creative Writing students to join her in a lively discussion on the importance of a writing community, how to give your writing the time it needs, and how place and location is so central to their acclaimed anthology series. Students will read their work and books will be on sale. 

 

We are also pleased to bring you Mai Black’s Shakespeare’s Ladies Club Tea Party, a work inspired by the four Georgian women who saved Shakespeare’s literary legacy and  she will be reading from her debut novel inspired by their stories.

 

Launching a writing competition for 16 to 21 year olds will encourage young women to carry on the legacy of the creatives that have been highlighted over the years by WAMfest’s literary events. 

 

WAMfest’s Laura Locke said: “Every year we try and bring something new to WAMFest whilst remaining true to our driving ambition to provide a platform for female artists. We are always excited and amazed by the exceptional talent of those who come forward to join our mission and keep the concept fresh and ever evolving. Our thanks go to all our supporters and funders who have helped us grow and create these inspirational events.”

 

Supported by Felixstowe Town Council

 

Tickets are on sale now! http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/felixstowefestivalevents

 

• The Alex Brasserie-  WAMfest Introduces - Saturday, March 7 at 7pm: £10 

• The Orwell Hotel: Word and Music - Sunday, March 8 from 10 am: Half day £10  or Full-day £20  available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/felixstowefestivalevents  

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