International Women's Day events in London: where and how to celebrate
International Women's Day will take place on 8 March, so that doesn't leave much time for you to plan how to celebrate the occasion. While cities up and down the country will be holding special events on or around the day, there is nowhere quite like London. From getting active with a dedicated bike ride to relaxing with a movie screening, we've rounded up some of the most exciting things to do in the capital that will make this International Women's Day one to remember.
Have fun with friends
Play ping pong and get a free drink at Bounce
You can always carve out time to see your favourite girls, but International Women's Day is the perfect excuse to round them all up for an evening of fun and games. You don't have to be a master at ping pong to get stuck into the action at Bounce. If you just want to have a laugh (plus a free drink for women), then head to one of the chain's locations across London.
WHEN: Sunday 8 March
WHERE: Try 241 Old St, Old Street, London EC1V 9EY
For more information visit bouncepingpong.com
Get active
IBikeLondon's cycle ride is suitable for all abilities
Whether you're an avid cycler or love the idea of getting fit at the same time as celebrating women, the IBikeLondon International Women’s Day Ride is perfect for you. The theme for International Women's Day this year is: 'An equal world is an enabled world.' All ages and abilities are welcome to join the bike ride, which will take place at a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities to stop for food and drinks along the way. So stock up your backpack with some treats, clear your mind of work and get active!
WHEN: 8 March 2020
WHERE: National Theatre, South Bank
For more information visit internationalwomensday.com
Festival fun in Southbank
Jennifer Hosten, Miss World 1970, will be talking to Scarlett Curtis
To mark the tenth anniversary of WOW – Women of the World festival, the event will feature an even more impressive lineup of speakers and performers over three days. The 2020 festival will see the likes of Naomi Wolf, Deborah Frances-White (The Guilty Feminist), Scarlett Curtis, Sandi Toksvig and Shazia Mirza speak, while a number of other panel discussions will cover topics such as Bringing up Boys, Women in Leadership and an interactive session will cover what it means to be intersex.
WHEN: 6-8 March 2020
WHERE: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1
For more information visit southbankcentre.co.uk
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Watch a movie
WATCH: The Radioactive trailer
For those in search of a more relaxed, laid-back weekend, the cinema is always a go-to. That doesn't have to change for International Women's Day, as there are a number of cinema screenings you can attend. Our top pick is the pre-release screening of Radioactive, which follows the true story of Marie Curie, played by Rosamund Pike. If that isn't enough to excite you, then you will also have a chance to hear from Rosamund and Academy Award-nominated director, Marjane Satrapi during a live-streamed Q&A after the screening.
WHEN: Sunday 8 March
WHERE: Ham Yard Hotel, 1 Ham Yard, Soho, London W1D 7DT
For more information visit firmdalehotels.com
Listen to Beyonce
Beyonce's Lemonade won a Grammy Award for the Best Urban Contemporary Album in 2017
Who doesn't love a bit of Beyonce? On 7 March, Lemonade Re:made is returning to London for one night, offering an orchestral rendition of Queen B's album Lemonade, including immersive projection art. The event organisers explained: "her songs create a narrative on the experience of being female and black, casting Beyonce as Oshun, the Yoruba goddess of fertility and sensuality." We don't need any more excuses to listen to Beyonce!
WHEN: Saturday 7 March
WHERE: 32-37, Cowper Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 4AW
For more information visit facebook.com
Dance the night away
The Girl Power Silent Disco will have 70s, 80s, 90s and naughties music
Whether you're a Spice Girls fan or love a bit of Madonna, you're in for a treat with the Girl Power Silent Disco. With a choice of two different channels to listen to, one covering music from the 70s and 80s such as Diana Ross and The Pointer Sisters while the other features 90s and noughties classics from J-Lo and Destiny's Child, there is something to keep everyone happy. Listen to your favourite female performers and hit the dancefloor to show off your best moves - and if you're feeling brave, take the headphones off to hear some hilarious singing in the absence of any music!
WHEN: Sunday 8 March
WHERE: The Bridge, 73 – 81 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 0NQ
For more information visit nobodyswatching.co
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