Words And Women is celebrating International Women’s Day, Sunday March 8^th, with the double launch of their latest showcase collection of short prose by women writers in the East of England and the first public performance of their About new writing commissions.

The event, held in the heart of Norwich, is traditionally a vibrant and eclectic programme of readings, music, film and theatre.  This year, Words and Women’s competition winner, Lora Stimson will read her story, Cornflake Girl, alongside other writers included in the anthology, Julianne Pachico, Anna Metcalfe and Holly McDede. Singer-songwriter Meg Burrows will bring her rich singing voice.

Words And Women: Two published by Unthank Books, builds on the success of last year’s inaugural competition and anthology, shortlisted for the national Saboteur Awards 2014. It has been praised as “a bold and insightful collection containing much vigorous writing…’’ RM Bond-Webster, Eastern Daily Press.

This year the winning entries embody vivid imagination and ambiguity, delicate and subtle prose coupled with strong images and deep emotions.

The ‘About’ texts, supported by Arts Council England and written by Jenny Ayres, Lillie Ferrari, Tess Little and Thea Smiley, bring to life the voices of Jane Sellars hung in Norwich for being ‘idle at Trowse’, a woman who walks the Bungay Straight on a pilgrimage of grief, 18 year old prostitute ‘Anguish’ locked up in a mental asylum for life and Station Mistress Appleton and her wartime fight for the right to wear a company coat. The extracts are performed by Hetty Rance, Etta Geras, Isabelle King and Jenny Ayres and directed by Adina Levay.

‘The writers, performers and musicians have put their hearts into this year’s event. As always, it is going to be very special,’ said Belona Greenwood, Co-organiser, Words And Women.

The event is between 4 and 6 pm on Sunday, 8th March in Fusion at the Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich. NR2 1TF.  It is free to attend and open to all. Men, women and children.