THEY don't come much bigger than some of the stellar names that will be descending on Kendal for the Women's Arts International Festival.

Produced by the Brewery Arts Centre, which will also host many of the events, it promises a magnificent get together to celebrate work by women creators who have graced the art forms across the world and will be opened by Germaine Greer.

Running from May 4-24, rock legend Patti Smith will be one of the headliners, staging the European premiere of her new album at Ulverston's Coronation Hall as well as reading her own poetry at the Brewery.

She shares May's festival billing with other female icons such as Marianne Faithful, Sandie Shaw, and Peggy Seeger.

Within the festival's An Audience With events will be television presenter and founder of the Childline charity, Esther Rantzen; cookery queen Pru Leith; and broadcaster and writer Libby Purves.

Also featured will be cutting-edge folk from the haunting Marissa Nadler and the infectious batuku rhythms of feisty hip-swivelling Cape Verdean singer Lura.

Comedian and TV persona Jo Brand will bring her renowned wit to the festival and holding residences will be acclaimed Aboriginal artist Dr Pam Johnston as well as Tanzian art historian Everlyn Nicodemus, and Tina Keane, who has worked across a range of media from performance and installation to film, video and digital art.

Literary and spoken word events include appearances and readings from Malika Booker, Ali Smith, Jackie Kay, Kate Atkinson, Michele Roberts and Lynne Segal plus a theatre and film programme.

The final programme is yet to be confirmed.

Tickets go on sale on International Women's Day on March 8 and will be available from the Brewery box office on 01539-725133.

For full story see the Leisure section of the February 16 edition of The Westmorland Gazette.