Brecon Women's Festival

We are absolutely thrilled to be putting on this, our second Women's Festival in Brecon. This year, as well as the programme of eclectic events you see here, we have focussed on forging closer community links which have resulted in Poetry workshops in schools with a commemorative tree donated by The Woodland Trust and planted by Menna Elfyn; a visit and discussion by Cardiff's 'Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association' and we will be fundraising on behalf of 'Crossroads' and 'South Powys Youth Music' at some of our events. Special thanks are due to the Brecon Soroptimists for their support with this year's Festival.

The programme will include talks, art, drama, poetry, a women's arts and crafts fair and lots more...For full details please click on 'Programme' page.

Thursday Feb 28th
7.30pm – The George Hotel. 'Velvet Design' Launch Party
Launch of an exciting new fashion line by young Brecon Designer Velvet Duffield with live music and a catwalk.

Friday March 1st
6.30pm – Theatr Brycheiniog - Official Festival Launch.
Internationally acclaimed Baroque violinist Rachel Podger launches the Festival and Preview of Brecon Women’s Festival Art Show. Harpist Martha Powell and the Mid Wales Dance Academy will also perform. A collection will be held for South Powys Youth Music during the evening. All welcome.
Friday March 1st to Sun March 31st
The Hours Cafe & Bookshop - Our Women – A Brecon Portrait.
Photographic exhibition by Hours Co-owner Nicola Bickerton featuring portraits of some of the town's inspirational women.

Sat March 2nd to Wed March 27th
The Andrew Lamont Gallery, Theatr Brycheiniog - Brecon Women’s Festival Art Show
Exhibition of work by artists from Brecon and the surrounding areas, in response to the theme ‘Hiraeth’. Curated by Karin Mear and Hilda Benham.
* Please check opening times before visiting * 01874 611622 / 622838

Sat March 2nd to Tues March 12th - Ardent Gallery - Claire’s Choice
A selection of art by female artists specially selected by gallery owner Claire Dent

Saturday March 2nd 10am – 12pm The Hours Cafe & Bookshop - Help Your Child To Read.
Children's Reading Surgery in the relaxed surroundings of 'The Hours' with Elizabeth Blinkhorn of Oxford University Press.

Saturday March 2nd 10.30am – Llangasty Retreat House, Llangasty - Women and Spirituality
Rev. Margaret Blake will consider ‘Women and Spirituality'. Coffee & Cake available. Donations.
01874 658250.

Monday March 4th 7pm – Coliseum Cinema – ‘Albert Nobbs’
Brecon Film Society host a screening of an adaptation of the Banville novel starring Glenn Close. Non members welcome. £6.

Tuesday March 5th 3.30pm – The Hours – Foraging Walk & Talk
'Hedegerow Handbook' author Adele Nozedar leads a sojourn around the hedgerows followed by warm treats at The Hours. £5. Booking advisable. 01874 622800

Wednesday March 6th 2-4pm Kensington Church Hall - The Basics of Belly-dancing.
An introductory workshop to the art of belly-dancing with Hilda Benham & Sue Spalding. £5. To book call 01874 610002 / 611027

Wed March 6th 2pm – Brecon Library - Strong Women... and a Couple of Men!
Breconshire Local & Family History Society member Deanna Leboff discusses her research into the Ayrton family and their role in the fight for Women's Suffrage. Open to all. Free event.
Thursday March 7th - 'World Book Day' at The Hours

4pm – 'Storytelling & Songs' with resident Storyteller Marion Oughton.

7pm – 'Women and Words' A celebration of women's writing inviting participants to read their own work; a poem by a favourite woman poet, or share a story or anecdote about mothers, grandmothers and other inspirational women.

Friday March 8th – International Women's Day

'Women's Work' – Demos, talks and drop-ins throughout the day. Partcipants include Louise Croppier at Cuprum, and Kathryn Roberts at Gate Gallery & Glassworks.
Call The Hours for more information on 01874 622800

2pm – Pilgrims Tea Rooms - Allbutt’s Anecdotes
Radio & TV gardening celeb, writer, beekeeper & pet pig breeder Lynne Albutt, chats about her work and life.
3pm – Pilgrims Tea Rooms - Baking With Janet
Award winning owner of the tea rooms, Janet Williams demonstrates her baking skills.

7pm - Party at 'The Hours'
A celebration for International Women’s Day with entertainment. Cafe & Bar available.

Saturday March 9th 10– 4pm – Brecon Guildhall – Brecon Women's Festival Fair'
An array of stalls featuring original art, crafts, clothing & more to suit every taste and pocket. Tea, coffee & cakes available.

Sunday March 10th - 7.30pm – Theatr Brycheiniog - 'Sisters of Song'
An evening of music from finalists in the Arts Connect Singer Songwriter Competition 2012.
£6 Tickets can be booked in advance via box office. Concessions apply.

Tuesday March 12th - 5.30pm – The Hours - Menna Elfyn. 'Murmur'
One of Wales’ most prominent poets gives a Poetry reading followed by Q&A session. Menna will read from her new collection 'Murmur'.
£5. Places can be booked by calling The Hours. A bilingual event supported by Literature Wales.