Ode to the Siren

Event information

Join us for a heartfelt celebration of the female voice, featuring an inspiring line-up of singer-songwriters, poets, and spoken-word artists. Settle in for a soothing afternoon of creativity, connection and captivating performances.

Featured acts include, music from: Lilibet, Amy Birks, Nicki Rogers and MK Women's Choir
Spoken Word from: Esther Stimson and Nova - the current bard of Stony Stratford.
(more information below)

This event was inspired by the Keychange initiative - to encourage and support women in the music industry. It is not a 'female only' event so everyone if welcome to come and enjoy our talented performers.

The York House Café will be serving a delightful light afternoon tea, including teas, coffees, and homemade cakes - with all proceeds supporting York House.

Tickets are free, but you are warmly encouraged to make a donation to support the work of York House - either by donating below, or on the day (we will have a cash collection and a card machine available).

Please do pre-order your afternoon tea - if you have any dietary requirements please email us to discuss what we can provide: Email: Jill@AniseedPR.com. We will have some additional drinks and cakes available on the day (for a second helping maybe?) but pr-ordering will help us plan the catering and ensure against food waste.

Afternoon tea is: your choice of tea (English Breakfast, Earl Grey or peppermint) or a coffee (latte, flat white, americano, cappuccino) with either cows milk or oat milk available. Plus your choice of cake, which can be chosen on the day - from a selection of home made treats.

The event will start at 2.30pm so you are encouraged to arrive at 2pm in order to get your afternoon tea and then to settle in and watch the acts. We will be having two breaks (at roughly 3.10pm and 4.05pm) for you to recharge your drinks.
The event is planned to finish at around 5.10pm.

A HUGE thank you to the women of MK Women's Choir who are baking cakes and running the café for us. Thank you also to all the performers who are giving their time and talent for free in order to raise funds for York House Centre. And lastly, thank you to all our volunteers who have helped to create this wonderful event.

This event is part of Stony Words - the amazing festival - for more information about the other events go to: https://stonywords.org.uk/

Finding us and accessibility:
This event is taking place at York House, London Road, Stony Stratford Milton Keynes:
We are in the Main Hall - which is on the ground floor of York House Centre, London Road, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes. Please enter through the main doors in the centre of the building.

The Main Hall is accessible for wheelchair users and we have an accessible toilet on the ground floor. .

We have car parking in front of the building (with two disabled spaces), or across the road in the Hawkins Close Car Park.
To get to York House by public transport - from Galley Hill, Fairfields or Whitehouse, you can catch the Number 6 or X6 bus.

The performers in more detail:
Expect a brilliant, intimate line-up celebrating emerging music and spoken word, featuring:
Music from:
Lilibet
Lilibet is a singer-songwriter creating emotive, intimate music that connects deeply with listeners. Her work blends thoughtful lyrics with a stripped-back, heartfelt sound.
Lilibet’s latest release, Beautiful Fear, is a reflective, emotionally led track that showcases her intimate songwriting style and delicate vocal delivery, exploring vulnerability with honesty and restraint. Listen and download Beautiful Fear here:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5y9NYCtVotuZjlA8wkPoDe?si=%E2%80%A6
Explore Lilibet’s music and socials: https://linktr.ee/lillibet

Amy Birks
Amy Birks is an indie/alternative pop singer-songwriter whose music is shaped by a global upbringing, having lived in India, Nigeria and Bulgaria. She began teaching herself guitar at 12 and started sharing originals and covers online in 2019. Since her debut live performance at HMV in 2023, Amy has performed at major events including Silverstone MotoGP, F1 2025, IF: Milton Keynes International Festival and Pub in the Park. Her debut single I See Through Smoke was released in June 2024, followed by Me and My Mind in November 2024, which was featured on BBC Music Introducing.
Watch: https://youtu.be/NmaO-o1NPok?si=G3Fkw4Qp2rtkYArl
Links & socials: https://linktr.ee/amyb_simplymusic
Instagram: @amyb_simplymusic

Nicki Rogers
Nicki Rogers is an established singer-songwriter whose music explores life’s complexities with honesty, warmth and hope. Her songwriting reflects themes of faith, doubt, joy and sadness, creating songs that are both thoughtful and deeply human. Nicki has released multiple solo recordings and continues to connect with audiences through emotionally rich performances.
Find out more: https://www.nickirogers.com/

MK Women’s Choir
MK Women's Choir is a vibrant local choir for women who love to sing - welcoming members of all abilities with no auditions or previous experience required. The choir performs a range of pop songs from years past to the present, with fun, exciting arrangements that bring voices together and create joyous community-spirited performances. They rehearse regularly in Stony Stratford and last year they celebrated their 10-year anniversary with a special showcase.
Find out more about MK Women’s Choir and how to get involved: https://www.nickirogers.com/choirs

Esther Stimpson
Esther Stimpson creates spoken word that rejects the idea of “uniform” poetry. Her work is refreshingly blunt, often funny, and driven by the need to get thoughts out of their head — serving as a cathartic release for the sad things, the confusing things, and everything in between. Esther’s poetry isn’t about labels; it’s about being human and being heard.
Watch: https://youtu.be/4_SfX4CPViQ?si=u6K85JKJL-m0KgZ
https://youtu.be/POBlPb4JcOI?si=8tmEaSDSu5aEp-o3

Nova
Nova is the 14th Bard of Stony Stratford and a spoken word artist whose work places poetry at the centre of everything she does. Alongside performing, Nova runs poetry workshops online and in person, creating spaces for shared creativity and connection. Her performances often invite audience participation and reflect a journey of growth, confidence and lived experience. Nova is currently beginning a new chapter – motherhood - while working towards publishing a collection of poetry from the past year.
Connect: https://www.tiktok.com/@confessionsofaphoenix?_r=1&_t=ZN-93I7jXZAMPm