International Women’s Day in Manchester and the North

Creative Tourist

International Women’s Day becomes a more prevalent feature in our calendar each year, and rightly so. On the one hand the day – which falls on 8 March – is a celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women through history. On the other, it’s an opportunity to talk openly about how we might address ever-present gender imbalances in society today and what needs to change, with this year’s theme being #AccelerateAction.

The annual event comes in the form of an array of cultural happenings around the world. Here’s a rundown of the most eye-catching events happening on and around the day in Manchester and the North.

Our top picks

Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970-1990

Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970-1990 at The Whitworth, Manchester, Until 1 June 2025, free entry - Visit now

The Whitworth presents ‘Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970-1990’, a landmark show about women’s rebellion and creativity.

A film still, showing a woman's face screaming.
Gina Birch, 3 Minute Scream, 1977 © Gina Birch.

Bad Gal Film Festival at Ducie Street Warehouse

Bad Gal Film Festival at Ducie Street Warehouse, Manchester, Until 30 March 2025, from £7.00 - Book now

All through Women’s History Month, Bad Gal Film Festival will showcase a carefully curated lineup of films alongside interactive workshops, discussions, and special guest appearances.

Ducie Street Warehouse
Ducie Street Warehouse.

Ruth season at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House online

Ruth - Online Events Season at Elizabeth Gaskell's House, online, Until 19 November 2025, from £6.00 - Book now

Throughout 2025, the team at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is taking a deep dive into Ruth, one of the famous 19th-century author’s most shocking texts. Her novel about a single mother was “banned, burned and denounced from the pulpit” for its controversial storyline.

Ruth book cover with 10 year branding
Elizabeth Gaskell's House 10 Year Anniversary

Shirley Valentine at Liverpool Everyman

Shirley Valentine at Liverpool Everyman Theatre, Liverpool, Until 29 March 2025, from £11.00 - Book now

Willy Russell’s one-woman show comes home to Liverpool Everyman, bringing the perfect ending to the theatre’s 60th birthday year.

Shirley Valentine at Liverpool Everyman
Image courtesy of Andrew AB Photography.

GRUB Manchester

GRUB Manchester, 50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M4 4HF - Visit now

On 8 March, Grub’s hosting a special International Women’s Day Musical Bingo. Expect a combination of all your favourite bangers mixed into karaoke, guess the intro, lyric challenges as well as just your classic bingo hall dance party vibes — all Girl Power themed. A standard ticket is £6, and a Bottomless ticket is £25. Have Fun!

The Pankhurst Centre

The Pankhurst Centre, 60-62 Nelson St, Manchester, M13 9WP - Visit now

Explore the birthplace of the suffragette movement. The Pankhurst Museum is throwing open its doors with FREE entry on Sunday 9 March (11am to 4pm).

Pankhurst Centre