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Opening Night 2026
Buy Your Wristband Here
Welcome, everyone, to the opening night of the International Eressos Women’s Festival 2026!
Tonight’s entertainment at our fabulous Cine Sappho Magicnights venue:
Opening Night Host: Lynette Frances
We’re delighted to welcome Lynette Frances as our Opening Night host — and she’ll also be taking to the stage for a special performance to get the festival celebrations underway.
Lynette is a dynamic vocalist, guitarist, songwriter and live entertainer, known for her distinctive voice, warm stage presence and ability to connect instantly with an audience.
Her versatile repertoire moves through 60s classics, Motown, reggae, disco, indie, ska and 80s anthems, alongside chart favourites, country and Americana.
From laid-back acoustic moments to songs that fill the dancefloor, she knows exactly how to create the right atmosphere.
And with Lynette also being a qualified line dance instructor, don’t be surprised if she gets the whole crowd moving!
We can’t think of a better person to welcome everyone, set the tone for the evening and officially kick off the festival. Welcome, Lynette!
Opening Night Headliner: Donna Louise
We’re incredibly excited to welcome Donna Louise to the festival for the very first time — and as our Opening Night headline act.
With powerhouse vocals, brilliant humour and an infectious stage presence, Donna has performed around the world, headlining major Pride events in the UK and Maspalomas and taking to stages internationally.
She is especially well known for her acclaimed tribute to P!nk, and was selected by RCA Records to help promote P!nk’s Beautiful Trauma album in London.
But for our Opening Night, Donna will be stepping out as herself with a specially created Evening of Divas — a high-energy celebration of some of the legendary women and unforgettable voices that have shaped music history.
Expect huge vocals, iconic songs, plenty of personality and a performance made for singing, dancing and celebrating together.
We’re absolutely thrilled to have Donna leading our Opening Night celebrations — and we can’t think of a better way to get the festival started.
Silena Gaspar
Flamenco dancer and teacher Silena Gaspar joins us on Opening Night for a special flamenco performance, bringing the rhythm, expression and energy of this powerful art form to the festival stage.
Originally from Patras, Greece, Silena began her artistic journey through music and percussion before moving to Granada, Spain, in 2011 to pursue professional flamenco training. She later graduated with highest honours from the Conservatorio Profesional de Danza “Reina Sofía” de Granada.
Now based on Lesvos, Silena approaches flamenco as a living and evolving art form, bringing together different cultural influences through music and movement.
And if her Opening Night performance inspires you, you can join Silena the following day for her welcoming all-level Flamenco Workshop, designed especially with beginners in mind.
Ariela
With almost 30 years behind the decks, Ariela brings a wealth of experience, instinct and unmistakable club energy to our Opening Night.
Born in Venice and now based in London, Ariela first began playing in the 1990s. After stepping away for a time, she recently returned with a residency at FLIRRRT London, the LGBTQIA+ women-focused and led event, and has since played at other much-loved nights including Mint.
Her sound has evolved too, moving from the hard house, techno and trance of her earlier years into funky house, while keeping the skilful mixing that has always been at the heart of her sets.
Expect a journey through uplifting house beats, queer club nostalgia and plenty of dancefloor energy — bringing some of those much-loved nights of the past firmly into the here and now.
DJ GinaG
For the first time, DJ GinaG joins us for Opening Night, bringing more than 30 years of experience and a long-standing place in Germany’s queer club scene.
Based in Cologne, DJ GinaG is regarded as one of Germany’s pioneering women behind the decks and has been voted Best DJ in North Rhine-Westphalia three times.
In 2002, she founded Popsofa-Club, Cologne’s first House club night for women, and has since played at clubs, queer events and major festivals across Europe, including Nature One.
Known for her open-format style, sharp mixing and instinctive ability to read a dancefloor, DJ GinaG brings together unexpected combinations, spontaneous mashups and plenty of energy.
We’re delighted to welcome her to Skala Eressos for what promises to be a brilliant part of our Opening Night celebrations.
Ohana Saloon & Important Information
Throughout the festival, Michelle and her amazing team at Ohana Saloon will provide a fabulous bar service.
Please note: Wristband holders will be given priority entrance.
Doors for wristband holders open at: 8pm
General admission opens at: 8.30pm.
General admission tickets are 15 euro, subject to capacity.