Hilda Benham, Leigh Hendra, Nicola Bickerton, Karin Mear

The wonky green shop on Ship Street had only been open about a year when a few local women came in to see us and asked if we 'fancied doing something for International Women's Day. Obviously we agreed. In fact in the sixteen years we have been in business we haven't said no to a single thing.

It's been fourteen years since that first conversation and the women in this picture are all a little older, greyer, tireder but hopefully wiser, they aren't all pictured but they know who they are. Karin Mear, Hilda Benham, Paula Keen, Sian Drinan and Cathey Owen-Cousins, we hope we have done you all proud. Special thanks go to Ruth Gibb for being such a loyal ally, to Emma Bevan for her relentless energy and to every woman, venue, business and organisation that has participated in, hosted, or supported this incredible voluntary undertaking - we salute you.

This year's Festival is a very special one and it's a goodie - even if we do say so ourselves. The full programme is now available below. Please do forgive us for any typos, our eyes aren't what they used to be.

Highlights include an afternoon with The Most Reverend Cherry Vann Archbishop of Wales - the first ever female no less, the return of Larry Lamb, some brilliant Authors from Parthian Books, new Art from Ardent Gallery, quilting, talks, walks, dips, runs and of course excellent Jazz from our friends at Brecon Jazz Club with Ruta Di Trio at The Muse.

Do join us through March for this remarkable, mighty, little Festival - we have put our hearts and souls into it.

Leigh & Nicky xx

programme