Festival of ‘women’s voices’ marks centenary of suffrage

Deeds & Words, a celebration of women’s achievements in the 100 years since they were first given the vote, is taking place in the EM Forster Theatre at Tonbridge School next month.

Jointly organised by the theatre’s manager, Kat Portman Smith, and local businesswoman Amanda Carpenter, the three-day event brings together authors, politicians, scientists, campaigners and performers. 

It runs between Friday 5 and Sunday 7 October, and will feature talks from some well-known names including historian Lucy Worsley and broadcaster Jenni Murray. 

Kat Portman Smith said: “We really hope it will be an exciting weekend of discussion and debate around the issues of equality for men and women, all in the fantastic surroundings of Tonbridge School.

“We wanted to celebrate the centenary of women’s suffrage in Tonbridge, and the festival has snowballed from that original thought. It is about celebrating women’s achievements past and present, as well as recognising there is still so much to do. 

“We have brought together an amazing mix of women to talk about the political and the personal alongside the artistic and literary.” 

In addition to talks, panel discussions, poetry readings and workshops, there is also a fascinating exhibition of suffragette material, on loan from the Camellia Collections archive and on public display for the first time.

The festival begins on 5 October with Helen Pankhurst, great-granddaughter of Suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst, and a women’s rights campaigner, who will reflect on the changes in the UK since the first women were enfranchised.  

To find out more, including a full programme of events and booking details: www.deedsandwordstonbridge.com

Twitter: @emftheatre

Pictured below: Historian and TV presenter Lucy Worsley, who will be speaking at the EM Forster Theatre about Queen Victoria on 5 October.