Women’s Writing Fest

Join Cornwall’s creatives for a vibrant two-day festival filled with workshops and activities

BENOW Festival 2026: Celebrating Women in Words at Falmouth Art Gallery

The 2026 edition of BENOW Festival, hosted at Falmouth Art Gallery on March 20th and 21st, invites everyone to celebrate and explore the rich culture of women. This year’s theme, Women in Words, highlights the power of storytelling and writing.

The festival is open to all genders and backgrounds, offering a welcoming space to connect with, learn from, and contribute to the stories and voices shaping Cornwall’s literary and cultural landscape.

Highlights include:
• Film Screening: Cornish language short film Gocki Lorden
• Workshops: Community Storytelling with Fairytale Postcards, Making New Myths, Personal Essay Writing, Cornish Folklore Creative Writing, and a Young Writers Drop-In
• Performances: MAZED Marionette Storyteller, and a live reading of Skeleton Woman with professional storyteller Kate Coleman
• Foyer Fayre: A selection of charities and groups for lovers of books and stories
We’re joined by The Writers Block, Pens & Friends, The Writing Retreat, Cornwall College and more! Come along for two inspiring days celebrating the art of storytelling in all its forms—spoken word, creative writing, film, and more!

Check the Falmouth Art Gallery website for more information and tickets.

“BENOW is a celebration of women’s stories and perspectives, offering a unique platform to amplify voices that have long shaped our culture and continue to inspire future generations. Whether you’re new to writing or a seasoned storyteller, there’s something here for everyone to explore and enjoy.”
-Willow Collins, Learning Assistant at Falmouth Art Gallery