Folklore & Women Talk at Marsham Court Hotel Bournemouth

Folklore & Women is a talk examining how folklore shapes culture and identity, with a focus on women's roles and stories. This folklore women talk takes place at the Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth on 16 September 2026 and includes a question-and-answer session.

This page explains what the event covers, what happens during the talk, how to plan your visit, where to watch from, and what to combine it with in Bournemouth.

What Folklore & Women covers in the folklore women talk

The event explores the influence of folklore on cultural narratives and individual identity, highlighting how women have contributed to and been represented in these traditions. Folklore encompasses myths, legends, fairy tales, and oral histories that have been passed down through generations. These stories often reflect societal values, fears, and aspirations, shaping collective memory and identity.

The folklore women talk delves into specific examples of female figures in folklore, such as witches, heroines, and mythical women, analysing their symbolic meanings and cultural impact. It also discusses how folklore has been used to empower or marginalise women in different contexts.

Following the main presentation, there is a question-and-answer session where attendees can engage directly with the speaker, offering an opportunity to discuss particular themes or raise questions about folklore’s ongoing relevance.

The precise schedule, including start times and any additional segments, is confirmed closer to the event date. Visitors should consult the Marsham Court Hotel’s official listing for the most current information.

A centaur archer poised to shoot an arrow, set in a mystical forest environment. — The striking centaur archer embodies themes of folklore, aligning with the event's focus on women in storytelling.

What happens at the folklore women talk

The event begins with an introduction to the concept of folklore and its role in shaping cultural identity. The speaker presents a series of case studies focusing on women’s stories within folklore, drawing from British and wider European traditions.

Topics covered in the folklore women talk include:

The archetypes of women in folklore, such as the wise woman, the trickster, and the victim
How folklore reflects historical attitudes towards women and gender roles
The use of folklore in contemporary culture, including literature, film, and art
The preservation and reinterpretation of women’s folklore in modern times

The talk lasts approximately 60 to 75 minutes, followed by a 30-minute question-and-answer session. This format allows for in-depth exploration of the subject and interaction with the audience.

Attendees receive printed or digital materials summarising key points and references for further reading. The venue provides seating in a lecture-style arrangement, with accessibility considerations in place.

Getting to the Marsham Court Hotel for the folklore women talk

The Marsham Court Hotel is located on the East Cliff of Bournemouth, at 14-16 Esplanade, BH2 5QB. It is a 10-minute walk from Bournemouth railway station, following signs towards the seafront and East Cliff Gardens.

Public transport options include:

Bus routes 1, 2, and 3, which stop near the East Cliff at Lansdowne Roundabout, a 5-minute walk from the hotel
Taxi ranks outside the railway station and in the town centre

For those driving, the nearest public car parks are the Lansdowne and Westover Road car parks, both within a 10-minute walk. Parking charges apply, with typical rates around £2 per hour.

The hotel is close to Bournemouth Pier and the main beaches, making it easy to combine the folklore women talk with a walk along the seafront or a visit to nearby attractions.

Embroidered design of two fairies on a rich brown fabric, with intricate details on wings and figures — The embroidered fairies on display at the event add a whimsical touch to the atmosphere at Marsham Court Hotel.

Best places to watch and listen at the folklore women talk

The talk takes place in one of the Marsham Court Hotel’s conference rooms, which seats around 80 people. The room is equipped with a sound system and projector for visual aids.

Seating is unreserved but arranged to provide clear sightlines to the speaker and presentation screen. Early arrival is advisable to secure preferred seating, especially for those with accessibility needs.

The venue has wheelchair access and accessible toilets. Assistance dogs are welcome. Attendees can request hearing loop facilities in advance by contacting the hotel.

Refreshments, including tea and coffee, are available before the talk and during a short interval. There is also a bar for drinks after the event.

What to combine with the folklore women talk in Bournemouth

Bournemouth offers several nearby attractions and activities to complement a visit for the folklore women talk:

Bournemouth Pier and Beaches: Just a 5-minute walk from the hotel, the pier provides panoramic views of the bay. The seven miles of sandy beaches stretch west and east, ideal for a stroll before or after the event. See the detailed Beaches guide and learn more about the seafront from BCP Council.
East Cliff Gardens: Adjacent to the hotel, these gardens offer landscaped paths and floral displays, a pleasant setting for a break.
Bournemouth Town Centre: A 15-minute walk away, the town centre has shops, cafes, and restaurants. For local dining options, consult the Food & Drink section.
Cultural venues: The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is a 10-minute walk along the seafront, showcasing art and local history. More about Bournemouth’s heritage can be found on Wikipedia.
Evening entertainment: The Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre and O2 Academy host live music and performances, accessible by a short taxi or bus ride. Check the What's On calendar for current listings.

Visitors staying overnight can find accommodation ranging from hotels to serviced apartments. For self-catering options near the seafront, Flexiestays offers a range of apartments on the West Cliff, about 20 minutes by taxi from the Marsham Court Hotel. See the Where to Stay page for more options.

Tickets, prices and booking for the folklore women talk

Tickets for the folklore women talk are available through the Marsham Court Hotel’s official website or box office. Prices typically range from £10 to £15 per person, with concessions for students and seniors.

Advance booking is recommended due to limited seating capacity. Some tickets may be available on the door subject to availability.

Group bookings and school parties can enquire about special arrangements by contacting the venue directly.

The event is suitable for adults and older teenagers interested in culture, history, and storytelling. It is not recommended for young children due to the lecture format.

Accessibility and visitor information for the folklore women talk

The Marsham Court Hotel ensures accessibility for visitors with mobility impairments, including step-free access to the conference room. Parking spaces for disabled badge holders are available nearby.

Public transport links are frequent and reliable, with bus stops close to the hotel. For visitors travelling by train, Bournemouth station is well connected to London and other major cities via South Western Railway. More about train travel to Bournemouth is available at National Rail.

The event takes place indoors, so weather conditions do not affect attendance. However, visitors may wish to bring a coat or umbrella for walking between transport and the venue.

For further visitor information about Bournemouth, including travel and local services, see the Visitor Information page.

Dates & times

16 September 2026

Folklore women talk explores women’s stories and culture at Marsham Court Hotel good to know

What topics are covered in the Folklore & Women talk at Marsham Court Hotel?

The talk explores how folklore shapes culture and identity with a focus on women's roles and stories. It covers archetypes of women in folklore such as witches, heroines, and mythical figures, and discusses their symbolic meanings and cultural impact. The event also examines how folklore reflects historical attitudes towards women and gender roles, and its use in contemporary culture including literature and art. Additionally, it looks at the preservation and reinterpretation of women's folklore in modern times.

When and where does the Folklore & Women event take place?

The event is held at the Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth on 16 September 2026. The hotel is located on the East Cliff at 14-16 Esplanade, BH2 5QB, about a 10-minute walk from Bournemouth railway station and close to the seafront and East Cliff Gardens.

How can I get to the Marsham Court Hotel for the Folklore & Women talk?

You can reach the Marsham Court Hotel by walking about 10 minutes from Bournemouth railway station, following signs towards the seafront and East Cliff Gardens. Bus routes 1, 2, and 3 stop near the East Cliff at Lansdowne Roundabout, which is a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Taxis are available from ranks outside the railway station and in the town centre. For drivers, nearby public car parks include Lansdowne and Westover Road, both within 10 minutes' walk, with parking charges applying.

What facilities and accessibility options are available at the event venue?

The conference room at Marsham Court Hotel seats around 80 people with unreserved seating arranged for clear views of the speaker and presentation screen. The venue has wheelchair access, accessible toilets, and welcomes assistance dogs. Hearing loop facilities can be requested in advance. Refreshments like tea and coffee are served before the talk and during an interval, and there is a bar for drinks after the event.

How long is the Folklore & Women talk and what is the format?

The talk lasts approximately 60 to 75 minutes and is followed by a 30-minute question-and-answer session. This allows for an in-depth exploration of the subject and interaction with the audience. Attendees receive printed or digital materials summarising key points and references for further reading.

What should I consider when booking tickets for the Folklore & Women event?

Tickets are available through the Marsham Court Hotel’s official website or box office, typically priced between £10 and £15 with concessions for students and seniors. Advance booking is recommended due to limited seating, though some tickets may be available on the door. Group bookings and school parties can contact the venue for special arrangements. The event is suitable for adults and older teenagers but not recommended for young children.

What can I do in Bournemouth before or after attending the Folklore & Women talk?

Nearby attractions include Bournemouth Pier and the seven miles of sandy beaches, ideal for a stroll. East Cliff Gardens next to the hotel offers landscaped paths and floral displays. The town centre, about 15 minutes on foot, has shops, cafes, and restaurants. Cultural venues like the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum are a 10-minute walk along the seafront. Evening entertainment is available at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre and O2 Academy, reachable by short taxi or bus ride.