Whats happening in Bolton for International Women’s Day

The events began today and will run until Saturday, March 14.

International Women’s Day is on Sunday, March 8, and this year’s global theme is “Give to Gain”.

One of the upcoming events is a conference at Le Chaudron, Bolton town centre.

Taking place on International Women’s Day itself, the conference will run from 2pm to 8pm.

It has been described on social media as a celebration of women’s empowerment, with a special focus on supporting African artisans.

Attendees will be able to shop directly from artisan stalls, mingling with the conference’s educational and inspirational talks.

The attendance list features the mayor, councillors, and a roster of notable guest speakers, including Ms Olaide Awogbile, Nkoyo Shadracks, Joanne Chipo Angel Mclean, Noelene Gillat, Carine Embala, and First Lady Primrose.

Bolton Council and Bolton Library and Museum Services have put together a week-long programme of free events to celebrate this special day from March 10 to March 14.

The programme will include special guided tours and book decoration sessions.

The tours, named ‘The Brilliant Women of Bolton’, are an exploration of the achievements of the town’s remarkable women.

These free guided tours, starting from Bolton Town Hall’s ‘Women of Bolton’ corridor, will take place on Tuesday (March 10) and Thursday (March 12) at 10.30am and 3.30pm.

The tours will conclude at the museum where related collections and expert-led stories of the women will be shown.

Limited capacity applies to these tours.

On Monday, March 9, Bolton Central Library will host ‘Bedazzled Books and Brilliant Women’.

This book-themed event from 5.15pm to 6.15pm gives attendees a chance to decorate books by female authors and share reading tips.

Anyone aged 14 and above is welcome, and all craft materials are provided.

The Women in Bolton’s Archives Tours will take place on Saturday (March 14) at Bolton Central Library.

Bolton’s Town Archivist will lead behind-the-scenes tours of the town archives at 11am and 2pm, exploring the history of women who shaped Bolton.

Tickets are limited due to space constraints.

For a grand conclusion to the fortnight-long celebration, a film screening by Bolton UNISON will be held at the Bolton HUB, Bold Street (BL1 1LS), on Saturday, March 14, as a nod to International Women’s Day 2026.