This Sunday March 8 is International Women’s Day, and YWCA Australia is hosting the Lismore Women’s Festival over the weekend, starting Friday.
Celebrations will be held over three days from Friday for this outdoor and indoor event.
Singer-songwriter Essie Thomas will be headlining this year’s Festival. Thomas is set to make a home stop after touring in the USA and Canada for the past year.
‘I’m pretty stoked to be a part of this year’s Lismore Women’s Festival line up.’ she said. ‘I grew up in the Northern Rivers and after being away for some time it really will be like coming home.’
Burlesque. Photo Caveboy Studios.
Other activities and performances that will be presented as part of the festival include a burlesque workshop by Imogen Kelly, named the World Queen of Burlesque in 2012; The Roar Women’s Music Festival (Friday 6 March); She-Rated Cabaret (Saturday 7 March), and; the Fabulous, Funny and Female Comedy Show (Sunday 8 March)
Festival Coordinator Emma Newman says the festival organisers are looking forward to settling into Lismore City Hall for three days. ‘The venue will be a place where women can go from workshop to workshop: listening, debating, writing, relaxing, dancing and laughing their heads off!
‘Women can also join a women’s choir, organized by Northern Rivers Conservatorium.’
Ms Newman says the biggest gathering will be on Sunday 8 March, International Women’s Day, outside on the lawn at Lismore City Hall with a Welcome to Country ceremony, followed by Young Women on the Mic.
People can enjoy music, food, talks, a feminist panel and browse a wide range of stalls on the day – all in the spirit of empowering women.
‘There is a whole range of topics, such as growing trees, intercultural awareness, performance, environment, music, feminism, health, communication and comedy.’
The 2020 Lismore Women’s Festival Program can be found at www.lismorewomensfestival.org and on Facebook.
YWCA Australia is also looking for volunteers and young women to be part of the Youth Tent. ‘It’s always fun to be part of the team at a festival,’ says Ms Newman. ‘There’ll be a variety of ways to help out. Contact Emma on 0490 437 376.
For more information visit the Lismore Women’s Festival website: www.lismorewomensfestival.org or Facebook page.
Lismore Women’s Festival
Lismore City Hall, 1 Bounty St, Lismore NSW
Friday 6 March to Sunday 8 March.
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