How to celebrate International Women’s Day this year

This year, International Women’s Day falls on a Friday, and events in Bristol are ready to take you through the whole weekend.

There’s something for everyone, with music nights, an evening with an environmental mermaid activist, a sound installation in Redcliffe Caves, and an exhibition devoted the art of women.

Thursday, March 7: Women’s Day Dance Rapture

Prepare to dance the night away with you friends and loved ones at Windmill Hill Community Centre. This event is dedicated to recognising and uplifting women from diverse backgrounds. Unleash your self-expression, embrace your femininity, and applaud the accomplishments of women worldwide.

Embrace your femininity at this Rapture dance event – photo: Windmill Hill Community Centre

Friday, March 8: All Things Pink

A charity fundraiser full of your favourite local DJs and female-owned independent businesses held at The Crown. All tickets are going to a local women’s charity. Cheap and cheerful for charity but donations are gladly received. Pink clothing encouraged.

March 8-9: All Together March

Prepare to embark on an unforgettable night of unity and celebration at Dare to Club. All Together describes themselves as a profound statement echoing the strength found in togetherness. The event will consist of diverse musical landscapes, and electrifying atmosphere and special celebrations marking International Women’s Day.

Saturday, March 9: Women in the Sound System 

An all-day event dedicated to the women involved in the Reggae Sound System scene held at The Kuumba Centre. This event will put together the vision of women with different backgrounds but all with something in common: Reggae music and Sound System Culture.

Friday, March 8: We Are Warriors

We Are Warriors is a sound and light installation in the incredible surroundings of Bristol’s Redcliffe Caves. We Are Warriors contains thousands of tiny twinkling lights and the voices of 130 women and girls from Bristol. As you enter, add your light to the growing constellation, in tribute to anyone who has ever felt their voice or presence stifled.

Friday, March 8: New Moon Drawing Circle

New Moon Drawing Circle is an event designed to celebrate the New Moon in Pisces (happening on March 10). Drawing will be used as a creative way of understanding, envisioning and manifesting your intentions for the coming lunation. Traditionally, moon circles were used to call into the divine feminine. Head to L’etoile Studio to practice grounding, centering, and receiving higher wisdom.

March 8: Kitten Club

One of Bristol’s favourite female collectives has curated a star-studded line-up of some of Bristol’s local fastest talents in the music scene for International Women’s Day. Head to The Full Moon & Attic Bar to celebrate being a women by dancing the night away to the best jungle, house and other 140 beats.

Friday, March 8: International Women’s Day reading with Lindsey Cole

Celebrate International Women’s day with author and environmental mermaid Lindsey Cole at Bruhaha. Join Lindsey as she shares her tales of swimming across Bristol Channel and reader her latest book, ‘The Mermaid, the Otter and the Big Poo.’

March 6-12: Women by Women – Exhibition

An exhibition bringing together nine UK-based female artists making work on women: sharing the experiences of both being women and being surrounded by the women in our lives. This collection of work celebrates identity, community, sisterhood, body and motherhood. The launch event will take place at That Art Gallery.

Main photo: Rob Browne

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• Celebrating unity and diversity: The Bristol women of the world