A brand new festival celebrating the enduring legacy of the suffragettes is set to take place in east London.

 

Marking the centenary of Sylvia Pankhurst establishing the East London Federation of Suffragettes in Bow, The East London Suffragette Festival features a stellar line-up of events on its bill.

 

From talks and panel discussions about history and equality, to workshops, face painting, a jumble sale, and a cake sale, there will also be drama and poetry performance from Chimene Suleyman.

 

A Women’s Activism Film Night will be held, with extracts and shorts focusing on images of women’s struggle, political activism and filmmaking, and there will be an exhibition too: Suffragettes, Sisters and Struggles, which will feature radical posters of women’s activism.

 

Historian Janine Booth will give a talk about local hero Minnie Lansbury: alderman, activist and one of the most active members of the East London Federation of the Suffragettes, and there will be an opportunity to learn about the history of Meath Gardens and its creator Fanny Wilkinson: the first woman landscape gardener in Britain.

 

For foodies, a special lunch of pie and mash will be held, accompanied with three fascinating short talks discussing East End cuisine and its development over the years.

 

 ‘Over the last year, our tiny team of volunteers has put together a series of events to celebrate a forgotten group of East End rebels,” explains festival chairwoman Sarah Jackson.

 

“The East London Suffragettes not only campaigned for the vote, but also for equal pay, decent housing, a living wage, old age pensions, and support for single mothers.

 

“They opened a nursery, a 'cost price' restaurant, and a cooperative toy factory. When the First World War brought mass unemployment and starvation, their relief efforts saved countless lives.

 

‘Our unique community festival will explore their fascinating hidden history: part of the long tradition of East End radicalism and vital to the area in the First World War.

“We want to bring people into the fight for equality today, with a wide range of talks, walks, workshops, exhibitions and more!

 

The East London Suffragette Festival, will take place in various locations from August 1 to August 10.

Details: eastlondonsuffragettes.tumblr.com