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Matrescence Festival Exeter is a one day event weaving together expert speakers, vibrant discussion, deep feeling poetry and songs, art making, support circle, workshops, singing and good food. This event is designed for m/others, pregnant people and parents to come together.
This is space for village thinking, reflection, support and creativity.
Matrescence is a term coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael in the 1970s to describe the profound transformation a woman or birthing person undergoes when becoming a parent. Similar to adolescence, matrescence encompasses significant physical, cognitive, emotional, hormonal, and social changes that reshape a person’s identity and worldview.
“During pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood, women undergo a far-reaching physiological, psychological and social metamorphosis.”
— Lucy Jones, Author of Matrescence
About
Schedule
9.30am Morning Tea
9.45am Morning Talks and Performances
11.15am Coffee and Stretch
11.30-12.30 Morning Talks and Performances
12.30-1.30pm Lunch from Bel’s Kitchen (included)
1.30pm Afternoon Workshops*
3.30-4.30pm Closing Circle
*Choose which workshop you will join and sign up by selecting the corresponding ticket
Talks and performances will be held all together in the main hall. Workshops will take place across the Alibi site, you will only have time to join one workshop.
More information will be shared the week prior to the festival
Morning Speakers
Smitha Mundasad
BBC Health and Science Journalist / Mother
Beyond Baby Brain
Smitha Mundasad will share what scientists involved in the world’s largest brain‑scanning study of pregnant women have discovered so far, question why neuroscience has taken so long to focus on this pivotal period of life, and how making the film ‘Baby BrainWhats Really Going On’ — and meeting the mothers at its centre — has prompted her to rethink how society understands and supports mothers, as well as reflect more deeply on her own matrescence. Smitha is a mum of two and a health and science journalist at BBC News. She previously worked as a children’s doctor, a background that continues to shape the stories she’s drawn to. She’s been fortunate to work on a wide range of reporting — from world affairs and major scientific breakthroughs to intimate stories about extraordinary human lives.
Dr Caroline Boyd
Clinical Psychologist & Author / Mother
Making Sense of Maternal Rage
What is it trying to tell us, and what might it be protecting underneath?
Maternal anger is one of the most common yet hidden experiences of motherhood, often tangled up in guilt and shame. Drawing on her clinical work, research and lived experience, she’ll explore how anger can be a meaningful response to the realities of modern mothering - from overwhelm and broken sleep to the pressure to do it all perfectly. Dr Caroline Boyd invites you to make sense of maternal rage with compassion and curiosity. Caroline will explore how anger can become a catalyst for repair, agency and change - helping you feel less alone and more able to respond to anger with understanding rather than shame. Dr Caroline Boyd is a clinical psychologist, she supports parents from pregnancy to childbirth and beyond. Caroline offers anger courses, workshops and 1:1 therapy, alongside training and supervision, in her independent psychology practice, Parent Therapy Hub. Caroline is the author of Mindful New Mum, and her published research explores mothers' experiences of intrusive thoughts about their babies.
Yara El-Sherbini
Social practice artist duo YARA+DAVINA / Mothers
Artist Talk: Everything We Love We Will Lose
Yara from artist duo YARA +DAVINA will speak about why motherhood inspired their collaborative practice, and their interest in birth, death and grief, with a focus on their current exhibition Everything We Love We Will Lose. YARA + DAVINA began their job share whilst in the throws of early motherhood. They create ambitious public artworks that respond to site, context and audience. Unfailingly inventive, they use formats from within popular culture to make works which are accessible and playful. Their current exhibition Everything We Love We Will Lose at Lightbox Gallery, Woking, co-commissioned by the National Trust explores grief and loss, with a focus on pregnancy loss. On until 5th July 2026.
Morning Performers
Sailing Stones
Singer Songwriter / Mother
Irish-born, Bristol-based artist Jenny Lindfors, who records as Sailing Stones is a captivating singer/songwriter. Her music has received regular airplay on BBC 6Music, and her debut album Polymnia was described as “a contemporary classic” by Berlin based publication NBHAP. Jenny’s new album Slow Magic is released in May observed through the prism of matrescence. Jude Rogers reflects “Slow Magic is like entering into another dimension. Here are songs that stare at the fire, linger in rainbows, fall in slow motion like comets.”
Rebecca Tantony
Poet / Mother
Rebecca Tantony is a writer known for her raw, lyrical storytelling that cuts to the core of what it means to be human. A light through life's messier moments, she is the author of three poetry and flash nonfiction collections, all published by Burning Eye Books. Over the years her work has been published in Magma and Mslexia, featured on Radio Four and her projects Seventeen (2021), Singing My Mother’s Song (2019) and All The Journeys I Never Took (2017). She is a current Writing Fellow at Plymouth University with the Royal Literary Fund and founder and host of the Live Poetry Book Club, an event that platforms and celebrates black and mixed heritage writers. Her current writing The House of Small Gods centres around motherhood and the life of working class women - subjects very close to home and heart.
Carolan Grzenski
Midwife / Singer Songwriter / Mother
Carolan Grzenski is a midwife and Mother to Fergus and Flynn, also navigating mothering after the loss of baby Wren. Carolan took part in the M/Others on the Mic Songwriting course in 2024 and has set herself the challenge to keep writing and performing.
Afternoon Workshops
Invite Your Rage to Tea
A workshop to explore maternal rage
with Michelle Hall
Join socially engaged theatre maker Michelle Hall in a supportive and careful exploration of maternal rage which breaks open old notions of angry mothers and asks who do these stories really serve? Beginning with a refreshing cup of tea, we will explore rage as a portal to freedom, creativity and self-expression. Through free writing, conversation and some gentle movement, we will listen to where rage lives in our bodies and ask what it needs to become a clarifying fire for agency and change. Michelle will share ways she has used her creative practise and skills in comedy and performance to create rage avatars; imaginative outlets, alter-egos for her matrescent - rage -mothermorphosis. Using visualisation and sketching, you’ll be invited to invent your own rage avatar - a form, a persona, a catalysing identity that can hold the power of your rage as a joyous expression of self-regard, sovereignty and reproductive justice.
Michelle is a talented performance maker, director, teaching artist, and facilitator, based on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar Australia. With a practice that spans devised performance, autobiographical storytelling, and intercultural collaboration, Michelle brings a wealth of experience from around the world.
Conversational Crafts and Creative Journaling
with Emily Way-Evans from We Are ND
A relaxed session for neurodivergent mothers to discuss tools and strategies for emotional regulation, and co-regulation when parenting. And a chance to explore journaling as a way to process the complex emotions of self-identity and matrescence as a neurodivergent parent. This session is open to both those who are diagnosed as neurodivergent and those who self-identify, or just beginning to explore their neurodivergence. There will be some crafts and fidget toys available for those who would like them, in order to help facilitate discussion and engagement, however engagement in the discussion is not mandatory, and this is an entirely safe space for any additional needs.
Emily is a neurodivergent mother and writer from Exeter, she is autistic with ADHD and PDA, having been late-diagnosed at the age of 38. She is the producer of We Are ND events, including Kaleidoscopic Minds Festival of Neurodiversity
HAPPY BIRTH DAYS
with Ellie Shipman
Join mother and artist Ellie Shipman at HAPPY BIRTH DAYS - an ongoing participatory artwork in the form of a birth-themed birthday party for people who have experienced birth to acknowledge trauma, grief, joy, hope, and incredible change. Write a birth-day card of support to your birthing self, enjoy placenta-shaped cake and nostalgic party snacks and take part in supportive discussion of birth in all its traumas and triumphs. Share as much or little as you would like, or simply listen in and take time to reflect. You are invited to take home your handwritten card, but if you want to leave a copy of your anonymous birth-day card it will be added to the ongoing archive of the project. This reflective space is held through Ellie's gentle facilitation. Find out more about HAPPY BIRTH DAYS.
'This should be a service on the NHS!'
- HAPPY BIRTH DAYS attendee
Ellie is a visual and participatory artist based in Bristol, UK. Ellie is interested in what it is to be a womxn; birth and m/otherhood as well as notions of community; sustainability and industry. These are explored through multimedia artworks using found objects, textiles, collage and installation. Pieces are often site specific, participatory or interactive - including people in research, process and product.
Stories and Spells
with Rebecca Tantony
In this very special workshop, we’ll explore writing as a form of spell making, language as something mythic and capable of shaping how we see ourselves in motherhood and beyond. Through gentle guided prompts, we’ll write into the thresholds of matrescence, what is ending, what is being born, what feels uncertain or freshly true. We’ll gather in a shared fire circle to read our words aloud as offerings, like small spells cast into flame, in reclamation, release, remembrance. This is a space for writers and non-writers alike, where the page becomes a place to name what is emerging and the fire becomes a witness to what we are ready to let go of, and what we choose to call in.
Motherhood grief tending circle
with Emily Bazalgette and Yara El-Sherbini
Join grief tender Emily Bazalgette (prictured left) and artist Yara El-Sherbini, of YARA + DAVINA, to gently express and honour any grief around motherhood that you may be carrying. All grief is welcome, from pregnancy loss to grief for changing identities, dreams, bodies and relationships, to grief for the world our children will inherit, and more. While every grief is unique, it can be healing to grieve together and feel witnessed, with no fixing or advice giving. The session involves a series of guided practices that move towards a group sharing circle, followed by integration time.
This is a small circle with 8 places available. Babes in arms are so welcome (please don’t bring older children). This may not be suitable for those experiencing a mental health crisis, or for those feeling particularly unsupported. Emily will be available before the circle if you have any questions. There will be no admittance after 1.35pm to ensure the privacy of the space.
Emily Bazalgette is a grief tender, ceremonialist, facilitator and coach, supports people to welcome the strange aliveness of grief in times of transition. She is the Co-Founder of Foregather, a women’s practice space for remembering our purpose and finding steadiness in an unsettling world.
YARA + DAVINA are a social practice artist duo, who began thier job share whilst in the throws of early motherhood. Their current exhibition Everything We Love We Will Loose at Lightbox Gallery, Woking, co-commissioned by the National Trust explores grief and loss, with a focus on pregnancy lose. On until 5th July 2026.
Drawing from the Body
Yoga, Drawing and Sound Bath with Ceri Baker and Lizzy Humber
Gentle and accessible yoga designed to support the journey of self-connection, opening, and relaxation led by Ceri Baker, with invitations to draw, write, mark make exploring the stories of our bodies with Lizzy Humber.
Ceri Baker is a poet, yoga teacher, Neurodiversity specialist and mum of three. She trained in Yoga and Sound healing in Rishikesh, India. Ceri is the former Bard of Exeter and during her Bardship she held a number of ‘Body Writes’ workshops at Exeter Library to explore the use of Yoga influenced breath and movement work to support writing from an embodied place. Ceri is also studying Yoga teaching for Peri/menopause.
Lizzy Humber is an arts facilitator and producer specialising in amplifying and empowering maternal voices and experiences. She has been leading Creative Journalling groups exploring matrescence since 2020 and before this worked in physical theatre. She has an MfA in Theatre Practice and trained in psychophysical performance training with Professor Phillip Zarrilli, using intercultural practice to inform actor training and ensemble, She has worked closely with Dr Maria Kapsali to work with Iyengar Yoga and autobiographical writing in partnership. She is a mum to two beautiful humans.
Supporting You At The Festival
Wireless Headphones
Wireless Headsets will be offered to all adults for the morning talks and performances. This gives you the flexibility to walk about, sit outside, visit the rest room, change a nappy - you don’t need to miss a thing. It also means you can always hear the speaker and we don’t need to turn the mics up too loudly. We will not use a projector and any visual aids will be shared as postcards.
Festival Counsellor
We will be joined by Belinda Gidman-Rowse from Grow Psychotherapy. Belinda is a Counsellor, Psychotherapist, and mother of three. If you find you need space to talk or reflect with the support of a counsellor Belinda will be available across the day for a private chat and sign post to support services.
Grow Psychotherapy offers holistic, integrative, woman-centered counselling and psychotherapy, supporting women through life transitions such as pregnancy, motherhood and menopause. Belinda co-hosts a perinatal mental health peer support group with PANDAS, and offers seasonal motherhood wellbeing workshops (Pause.Restore.Grow) in East Devon.
"I am so honoured to be a part of Matrescence Festival and be able to offer a safe space for emotional support and the opportunity to process any emergent feelings or experiences on the day."
Neurodivergent Parents
We will be joined by Emily Way Evans from We Are ND. We will send accessibility guide from Emily in advance
Emily Way-Evans is a neurodivergent mother and writer from Exeter, she is autistic with ADHD and PDA, having been late-diagnosed at the age of 38. She is the producer of We Are ND events, including Kaleidoscopic Minds Festival of Neurodiversity.
Lunch and refreshments
We have included a yummy veggie salad bowl as part of the ticket to take one thing of your morning to do list. We have teamed up with local mother and chef Isy Davies from Bel’s Kitchen to offer a local, seasonal and nutritious lunch. Please let us know any dietary requirements when you book. Support towards the cost of lunch comes from Mothers Union.
Parent-Accessible Design
The festival is babes in arms friendly, with an undercover buggy park, two baby changing stations and freedom to move around, lie down, come/go. We have some comfy nooks and cushions. We expect babies to make noise, need a feed and be curious. Please be empowered to chest, breast, bottle feed your child anywhere in the building. Our volunteers will be available to help you with an extra pair of hands as you need, or grab you a cuppa if you’re ‘nap trapped’.
If you need to bring an older child in order to be able to attend the festival, they are very welcome. We have found a whole day can be a bit long for children, so you are welcome to come and go across the day, or stay for as long as you need. Please note the Motherhood Grief Circle can only support babes in arms accompanying you, so you will need to chose a different workshop if you have older children with you or arrange for childcare for the day or the afternoon.
Please note the workshop Birth Days takes place up a flight of stairs, we can help carry a buggy upstairs if you have a child asleep. If steps be a barrier to you attending, please get in touch to discuss.
The festival is place of support and kindness for each other, without judgement. No apologises for being ‘late’ - come when you can and leave early if you need.
Devon Maternity and Neonatal Voices (MNVP)
Devon Maternity and Neonatal Voices (MNVP). We listen to families across Devon about their experiences of maternity and neonatal care – whether it was good, bad or a bit of both.
As an official partner of NHS Devon, we make sure the voices of women, birthing people and their partners are heard and used to shape improvements to hospital care.
Come and talk to us during the festival to share your story or arrange a meeting to help us make real change to maternity and neonatal care in Devon.
Forget Me Not Tattoo
Forget Me Not Temporary Tattoo by YARA + DAVINA Tattoo design by Ella Bell
Forget Me Not Temporary Tattoo is an ode to loss. Inspired by Victorian mourning lace, our tattoo was created in collaboration with a group of women, ourselves included, who experienced pregnancy loss, as a way to wear their grief. The potency of this posy lies in the rich symbolism of the flowers, and speaks of the collective, connection, and the healing power of being together during grief.
Yara El-Sherbini, from YARA + DAVINA, and Emily Bazalgette will be offering these grief tattoo's during breaks, to wear as an act of remembrance and a way to mark loss. Please find us if you would like a tattoo.
Commissioned by Lightbox Gallery, Woking, and The National Trust.
Tickets
A note on pricing: All tickets are subsided thanks to kind donations from the community, sponsorship, partners and volunteers. This year we haven’t received funding on the same scale as our 2024 & 2025 festivals, but we are committed to paying artists and speakers fairly and offering tickets at a fair price. If price is a barrier please get in touch or choose the helping you option.
Helping You
Adult Ticket for whole day including lunch
£40
Add offer code Support at checkout. Limited Offer.
Standard
Adult Ticket for whole day including lunch
£55
Pay It Foward
Buy someone a ticket who might not be able to access the festival otherwise. Add this to your order
£55
Free / Pay What You Can
If cost is a barrier please get in touch on the link below to request a free or PWYC ticket. We are committed to raising financial barriers
FAQs
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The festival is aimed at m/others. We embrace and celebrates the experiences of care givers who have been historically marginalised, underrepresented and under appreciated. We have a forward slash in m/other to include adoptive, bereaved, biological, foster, intersex, non-binary, pregnant, queer, seahorse, step, surrogate and trans parents. This is not an exhaustive list. The journey to and through m/otherhood is complex and we are welcoming of all experiences and will uphold gender inclusive language. Please get in touch if you have any questions.
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This is adult centred subject matter, which may include themes of birth loss, IVF, racism, maternal death and mental health. Content warning will be given before each speaker and in pre-event communications. If you have older children with you, we support you to use headsets in breakout spaces where older children cannot hear the speakers should content be a concern.
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Everyone is welcome to engage as much or as little as they need, including the invited artists and speakers. There will be a quiet space during the morning speaker sessions to rest and reflect, to support neurodiverse needs, where headsets can be used to listen. There will be mats and toys in the main space and a secondary play space too to give you options. The headsets offer you the option to walk around and still hear the speaker. We will provide wristbands for entry so you are free to leave and return as you need.
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All workshops have limited capacity so you will need to make your booking and workshop choice at the same time.
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Morning refreshments and a veggie & vegan lunch will be provided for adults. Please let us know when you book if you have any dietary requirements. Please bring any food or drink you or children need, but no nuts please. We recommend bringing a reusable 'keep cup' for hot drinks and your own water bottle for the day.
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The main hall is wheel chair and buggy accessible via a ramp. There will be a buggy park at the venue. One breakout/workshop space is accessible only by stairs. Please let us know any access needs when you book.
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Please note there is no parking at the venue, unless you have access requirements, please do let us know if that is the case on booking. There is a public car park on Okehampton Road, a 4-minute walk from the venue.
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Refund requests can be made until Friday 5 June at 9am by emailing Lizzy at thedaylightcollectivesw@gmail.com in line with our terms and conditions.
Please note there is a £5 processing fee for refunds per paid ticket.
Tickets can be donated to friends and family but you must provide us with the updated ticket holders name by 5pm on Friday 19 June.
Donations or Pay It Forward tickets can not be refunded.
For any access needs or questions please get in touch for support.
We want to lift barriers, so please be encouraged to ask for what you need.
Festival Founders
Lizzy Humber (right) is a mother, community artist and producer working in the UK. She specialises in curating parent-friendly live art and culture events. She is a change maker and champion of m/other artists continuing to make work professionally on their terms. Lizzy’s current projects include The Daylight Collective, a network for artist parents, Daylight Sessions daytime gigs for parents, M/Others on the Mic and Parents on the Mic performance platforms, and Creative Journalling for Matrescence. Lizzy’s participatory art projects aim to support parental mental health and community connection. Lizzy is the host of this years festival in Exeter.
Claire Tonti (left) is an Australian indie folk artist, podcaster, Matrescence activist and mother. She released her debut album Matrescence in February 2023 with sold out shows both in her hometown Melbourne across the UK and Ireland. 11 songs about love, loss, identity, motherhood, creative freedom and overcoming birth trauma. Claire also hosts the podcast TONTS. where she celebrates women’s stories - talking to writers, experts, thinkers and deeply feeling humans.
With special thanks to everyone who donated as part of Lizzy’s 5k a day running challenge and Poppy-Jayne Jones
