At last year’s International Women’s Day event there were craft activities for all the family. Afri-Co-Lab, Arts on Prescription and Stitch For Change will be back this year with more inclusive projects to take part in.

International Women’s Day 2025 promises to be a roaring success

Women’s Voice is excited to announce “Hear Me Roar 2025”, a dynamic community festival celebrating International Women’s Day with the many inspiring women and women-led organisations in our town. Anne-Marie Watson from Women’s Voice tells us some of the events that will make up the day.

This free event, held at the Observer Building, celebrates inclusivity, empowerment and solidarity through its broad programme.

Trans Pride Hastings will have a stall at the event and Victoria Oldman (centre) is one of the keynote speakers.

Yemi from Stitch TLC will be encouraging attendees to spread some love by sewing.

Our celebration is open to all and honors the voices, stories, and talents of women in our community through powerful speakers, dynamic performances, and interactive workshops.

The festival will feature a variety of stalls from community organisations such as A Touch of Gentleness, Black Butterfly, Oasis Project, and Hastings and Rother Rainbow Alliance.

Attendees can participate in a range of activities, including embroidery and cross stitch with Stitch TLC, collaborative colouring with Afri-Co-Lab, and badge-making with Arts on Prescription. These activities are ideal for families and perfect for fostering creativity and community connections.

KIN choir will be singing at 3.45pm.

At 2.30pm Susie and Bev from Frock Up Friday will be encouraging women to stand up and be heard.

We are offering two free workshops that focus on empowerment and self-expression. Rise and Resist: Yoga for Empowerment is an inclusive yoga practice that cultivates courage and resilience through movement, breathwork, and rest. Additionally, the Spoken Stories, Poetry Writing Workshop with Naomi Wood and Marie will explore personal experiences and nurture creative voices in a fun and supportive environment.

Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a diverse lineup of speakers, including representatives from UNISON, Trans Pride, and Frock Up Friday. There will also be a film presentation from the Refugee Buddy Project.

If you missed Claudine Ecclestone’s talk at the museum last year about The Black Flower Seller, at 4pm you have another chance to hear her tell the story of a remarkable Hastings resident from over 100 years ago.

The festival also includes musical performances by violinist Sam Brown and KIN Choir, as well as a presentation by Claudine Eccleston about the Black Flower Seller.

Hear Me Roar 2025 is an opportunity to come together, celebrate our achievements, and inspire one another. We believe in the power of community and the importance of creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome. We encourage everyone to attend and be part of this empowering event.

Join us in celebrating International Women’s Day and let your voice be heard! This is a fully inclusive event and I really look forward to seeing you, and your families there.

Hear Me Roar 2025 runs from 11am–5pm at the Observer Building, 53 Cambridge Road, Hastings TN34 1DT. Entry and all activities are free.

You can find out more about Women’s Voice and details of the Hear Me Roar! event by visiting womensvoice.org.uk/hear-me-roar-2025/.

Also in: Hastings People