WAMfest Launch Party - Big Mama Funk and support at La Vida Showbar
La Vida, Beach Street, Felixstowe IP11 2GN
Saturday 10th September 2022 - 7:30 - 11pm
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Big Mama Funk will take to the stage of the brand new La Vida Showbar to launch this year's WAMFest. The new venue at Beach Street offers the perfect setting for Big Mama's soulful mix of gospel, funk and R and B, guaranteed to get you dancing and singing along.
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"My absolute favourite thing to do is make your event unforgettable!" says Big Mama Funk. "I'll guarantee to provide you with classics like Aretha’s “Respect”, Luther’s “Never Too Much”, Michael’s “Rock with You”, Bruno’s “Uptown Funk” and more!"
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With support from Gabby Rivers a 19 year old singer/songwriter performing upbeat indie/alternative originals with soulful and powerful vocals.
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And Lydia Angelica Felixstowe-based singer songwriter





The Orwell Hotel - Library, IP11 7DX
Sunday 11th September 2022
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A day pass for all events on Sunday 11th September at the Orwell Hotel including two Audiences with Authors, Yours Truly theatre performance, a choir and soprano Christina Johnston - saving £10



With Ruth Dugdall and Jemma Wayne
The Orwell Hotel - Library, IP11 7DX
Sunday 11th September 2022 - 11am - 12 noon
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“I DIDN’T SEE THAT COMING!”
Why we read crime, and how the writers keep us guessing.
Crime novels thrill us, but they also reflect the world we live in. Why is this genre so addictive, especially amongst women? Two award winning novelists, JEMMA WAYNE and our very own RUTH DUGDALL, discuss the twists and turns, the red herrings and final satisfaction inherent in a thriller.
Jemma’s latest book, WHEN I CLOSE MY EYES, kept Louis de Bernieres up until 2am.
Ruth’s latest, THE THINGS YOU DIDN’T SEE, is set in a farmhouse in Kirton, and asks if it is possible to kill whilst asleep.



With Jayne Lindill and Helen Clarke
The Orwell Hotel - Library, IP11 7DX
Sunday 11th September 2022 - 12.15pm - 1.15pm
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YOURS TRULY
Yours Truly... a brand new theatre experience, devised and performed by Felixstowe based actors and writers Helen Clarke and Jayne Lindill. Yours Truly celebrates the wit and wisdom of women in a selection of letters, specially chosen for WAMfest by Helen and Jayne. Written by women from different generations, these letters to lovers, mothers, daughters, presidents and prime ministers are sometimes funny, sometimes sad, and always moving. An event you won't want to miss!



With Gill Blanchard and Elske Howeler
The Orwell Hotel - Library, IP11 7DX
Sunday 11th September 2022 - 1.30pm - 2.30pm
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HISTORY - OR ‘HER’ STORY
The skill of research, and how to weave story around fact.
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Historical research is fascinating, and more and more of us are researching our own histories. But how do we know what is ‘good’ research, and how do we stop ourselves being sucked into endless facts?
And how we use those facts in a fictional context - how important is truth, versus story?
Gill Blanchard is an expert on historical research, and she will be sharing her wisdom and top tips.
Elske Howeler is a debut novelist, who has researched her own family history to create Left Behind, a novel set in Amsterdam during World War 2.






The Orwell Hotel - Library, IP11 7DX
Sunday 11th September 2022 - 2.45pm - 3.15pm
Belinda Gillett is a world-class indie-folk artist from Suffolk. Her admirers include Queen's Brian May and folk-punk icon Jeffrey Lewis, both of whom have shared her videos within the last year.
Belinda's voice regularly draws comparisons with Sandy Denny, Joan Baez and Weyes Blood. She creates atmospheric, ethereal, vintage landscapes with her honest songs of love, nature and life and cites Nick Drake, Radiohead, The Sundays and Frightened Rabbit among her influences.
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Christina Johnston - International Soprano
The Orwell Hotel - Library. IP11 7DX
Sunday 11th September 2022 - 3.30pm - 4.45pm
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Local close harmony all-women singers Stellar Accapella will entertain ahead of the Nightingale herself, Christina Johnston, Coloratura soprano, who will entertain with songs from her vast portfolio from opera to light classical, to musical theatre.
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www.christinajohnstonofficial.com
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The Two Sisters Arts Centre, Trimley IP11 0SP
Sunday, 11th September 2022 - 7pm - 10:15pm
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The finale to the Festival of women's creativity, will be a feast of individual styles featuring the Three Chordettes, Ukulele Ladies, Grace Carver and Brooke Telling.


