If winter feels like it’s dragging its heels and you need something bright to look forward to, we have good news: WAMFest is back for 2026 with a vibrant programme designed to inspire, engage and entertain.

Now in its fifth year, WAMFest continues its mission to champion Women in Arts and Music, celebrating International Women’s Day with live music, literature and performance from dozens of talented women right here in Felixstowe.

The festival launches on Saturday, March 7 with WAMFest Introduces at The Alex Brasserie, showcasing an exciting mix of musical genres. Acts will be announced soon, but this year brings a special highlight: the stage debut of our very own WAMBand. Formed only months ago, this joyful community project invited anyone who had ever dreamed of being in a band to give it a go. Their first outing, the band No Apology, promises to be a crowd favourite.

On Sunday, March 8, The Orwell Hotel hosts a full day of events. The morning begins with The Magic of Felixstowe, the new anthem for our town written by Chandra Grover and Felixstowe Harmonies, followed by a workshop exploring the music in more depth.

Women writers take centre stage as we welcome popular authors Sally Harris and award winning Erica James, who will discuss their acclaimed works and upcoming projects. Erica James will also be interviewed by Suffolk Book League.

Before lunch, WAMFest’s WAMjam session returns, hosted by author Jackie Carreira and Liz Rastrick. They will be joined by six writers who will share their work and talk about the realities of writing and getting published.

The University of Suffolk’s Dr Amanda Hodgkinson, award winning novelist, will lead a lively discussion with MA Creative Writing students on the importance of writing communities, finding time for creativity, and how place shapes their acclaimed anthology series.

We are also delighted to present Mai Black’s Shakespeare’s Ladies Club Tea Party, inspired by the four Georgian women who helped preserve Shakespeare’s legacy. Mai will read from her debut novel based on their remarkable stories.

The day will also see the launch of a writing competition for young women aged 16 to 21, encouraging the next generation to continue the creative legacy celebrated by WAMFest.

Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketsource.co.uk/felixstowefestivalevents.

For updates, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or visit www.wamfestfelixstowe.art. Supported by Felixstowe Town Council.