INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S FESTIVAL 2026

Exeter Phoenix will host International Women’s Festival 2026 as part of celebrations to mark International Women’s Day.

The free festival takes place on Saturday 14 March, from 10.30am, and features performances and workshops including music, dance, stalls, spoken word, speakers, and poetry are also free. There will be stalls and art on display.

The festival is strongly committed to women’s rights and believes it is essential to unite all communities.

It is a celebration of women’s achievements – those who have inspired generations and actively championed equality, campaigning to accelerate action, improve conditions, and ensure women can walk safely and live free from fear.

This year’s festival is in memory of Josie Sutcliffe, co-founder and co-director of Dreadnought South West, who dedicated her life to humanity, and fiercely campaigned for women’s rights.

Events include:

Studio 74

• 11am – 12pm: Gaza Inspiring Women – Short Film Screening
• 12.10pm – 1.10pm: Women’s Voices Shaping Safe Support
• 1.20pm – 2.10pm: Women Leading the Change in Food and Farming via Agroecology
• 2.30pm – 3.30pm: The Co-Chair System and Women Representation: Shaping Kurdish Transformation – Short Film Screening

Auditorium

• 10.45am – 11.15am: Newtown Roots
• 11.30am – 11.50am: Le Trikke
• 12pm – 12.30pm: Ali and Jamie
• 12.45pm – 1.15pm: Zassõ by drumupthesun
• 1.30pm – 2pm: The Velvet Chords
• 2.15pm – 2.45pm: Karina Gracio Flamenco and students
• 3.15pm – 4pm: Wren Music Choir

Workshop

• 10.30am – 1.30pm: Connecting Our Voices for Change – Craft Workshop
• 2.00pm – 3.30pm: Zassõ by drumupthesun – Taiko Drumming Workshop

Studio 2

• 11am – 12pm: Dance is Medicine
• 12.10am – 1.10pm: Tarantella
• 1.10pm – 2.10pm: Illaria Belly Dance
• 2.10pm – 3.10pm: Meditation – The gift of Silence

Meeting Room

Children activities hosted by Hikmat Devon.

Studio 1

Stalls from Devon United Women, PSC, Global Centre and Fair Trade, Hikmat Devon, Ubunto Counselling Service, Multilingua Devon, Denia Jewellery, Inclusive Exeter, SAFER RAINBOW PROJECT, Kurdish Community Devon, and Devon & Cornwall Police.

Suaad Genem, Chair of organisers Devon United Women, said: “The campaign for women’s rights is not local or regional or national, it is a global campaign, we are one we are all.

“Come and hear the stories of women and men from Devon, from around the world Come with us on Saturday March 14 to stand together to be inspired at the Exeter Phoenix.”

For more information visit https://exeterphoenix.org.uk/events/international-womens-festival/