The Lismore Women’s Festival is gearing up for a weekend of fun, workshops and entertainment on March 6-8 – and you’re invited. 

It’s the fourth year the annual festival has been run by the YWCA Australia, and while it’s called a women’s festival, coordinator Emma Newman said men are very welcome to come along.

Emma said this year, the festival activities will be concentrated around Lismore City Hall. 

“It’s so we can have a hub where we can connect, build and focus our energies in one place over food and coffee in the day,” she said. 

“Our feedback from participants in the previous festivals said having a women’s festival was important to give women a chance to hang you with groups of other women.

“There’s a rare delight in having a large gathering of people - and people who identify as women are welcome to join in activities.

“It allows us to feel empowered. There’s still more work that needs to be done to support and encourage women to rise to be who they are.”

The festival runs from Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8, with activities scheduled morning, noon and night.

“We’ll be having the Roar Women’s Music Festival on Friday as part of it, with singer-songwriter Essie Thomas as the headliner,” Emma said. “Essie grew up in the Northern Rivers and is now an internationally recognised musician.”

There’s also the She-Rated Cabaret for over 18s on the Saturday and a burlesque workshop, teaching women how to striptease.

It’s run by Imogen Kelly, who was named the World Queen of Burlesque in 2012 and she’ll be performing at the cabaret.

On Sunday, the Funny and Female Comedy Show with Vanessa Larry Laughs Out Loud will be on, as well as a workshop training people what to do when they find themselves as a bystander to violence. 

“There’s also workshops where you can learning about nutrition and perimenopause,” Emma said. “It’s coming to being understood and more openly talked about now.

 “We’ll have dancing, yoga and relaxation sessions each day, as well as visual art at Serpentine Gallery in North Lismore.”

The biggest gathering will be on Sunday, March 8, for International Women’s Day.

There will be a gathering on the lawn outside 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,” Emma said.

“There are a whole range of topics, such as growing trees, intercultural awareness, performance, environment, music, feminism, health, communication and comedy. 

“Please look to find something for you and book ahead if you can.”

YWCA Australia is also looking for volunteers and young women to be part of the Youth Tent, or to help with running the festival - and women can also join a women’s choir, organized by Northern Rivers Conservatorium.

 “It’s always fun to be part of the team at a festival, and there’ll be a variety of ways to help out and hang out,” Emma said. 

If you are interested in helping out in any way with the festival, email Emma at nsw-womensfestival@ywca.org.au

The 2020 Lismore Women’s Festival Program can be found at https://www.lismorewomensfestival.org/ and on Facebook.