International Women's Day 2026: all the ways you can celebrate across Lancashire this weekend
It’s International Women’s Day this weekend and there are a whole host of events planned across Lancashire to celebrate.
International Women’s Day falls on Sunday, March 8 this year, with the theme for 2026 being ‘Give To Gain’, encouraging a mindset of generosity and collaboration.
Numerous events are planned across our county, allowing you the chance to celebrate women in all sorts of ways.
Take a look at just some of the events on offer below...
Preston
The Ferret will host a weekend of live music and community events from Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8 2026 in celebration of International Women's Day, shining a spotlight on female artists and women in music while raising funds for vital women’s charities.
Friday, March 6 - Vélez + Ellie Winstanley + Face Ache
Kicking off the weekend, Manchester-based four-piece Vélez bring their Latin jazz-infused bossa sound to Preston. Fronted by Spanish-born singer-songwriter Cloe Vélez, the band fuse sultry rhythms with sharp, contemporary lyricism.
Support comes from Ellie Winstanley (formerly of British Birds) performing her debut solo show, plus local outfit Face Ache.
While not officially part of the International Women’s Day programme, the event sets the tone for a weekend celebrating female creativity on stage.
Doors 7PM,Tickets £7.50. More info: https://theferret.live/listings/velez
Saturday, March 7 - International Women’s Day All-Dayer
The centrepiece of the weekend sees Madrid street punks GRIPPERS headline a stacked, female-led punk and alternative rock all-dayer.
Since 2014, GRIPPERS have built a reputation for their fierce DIY spirit and explosive blend of street punk and hardcore. They’re joined by a blistering regional line-up including:
- Death Trails
- Two Tonne Machete
- Dead Sheep
- PLAYMATE
- Cock Batteth
Running from 3PM ‘til late, the event showcases a diverse cross-section of female-fronted and feminist punk and alt-rock talent from across the UK and beyond.
Tickets are £10 advance (more on the door), with proceeds supporting Young Women's Trust and Lancashire Women, two charities working to tackle gender inequality, economic injustice and barriers facing women across the region and nationally.
Doors 3PM | Tickets £10More info: https://theferret.live/listings/iwd26
Sunday, March 8
On International Women’s Day itself, Preston DJ Social host an afternoon DJ Hangout & Open Deck (3–7PM), inviting women DJs from across Lancashire to connect, collaborate and play in a safe, supportive environment.
Open to all abilities, the session is woman-identifying and trans inclusive. Everyone is welcome to attend, with DJ slots available on the day for women participants.
Doors 3PM. Free Entry. More info: https://theferret.live/listings/pds-iwd
The Harris in Preston is hosting a ‘Share her Story’ event with the Friends of Edith Rigby and artist Phoebe Foxtrot on Sunday, March 8.
Running between 11:30am and 3:30 pm, this International Women’s Day event is free.
Organisers said: “Join us as we celebrate all the powerful, strong and unique women in our lives – past and present.”
Blackpool
Lancashire Women are holding a special afternoon of inspiration, connection and afternoon tea at their Blackpool Hub on Church Street on Friday, March 6.
Organisers said: “This uplifting event brings women together in a welcoming, supportive space to listen, reflect, connect and enjoy a little afternoon tea along the way.
“We’re delighted to be hosting two inspiring motivational speakers, alongside time to relax, chat and celebrate the power of women supporting women.”
The event is free but it would be helpful if you registered your interest.
On Sunday, March 8, Jars of Joy CIC is hosting an International Women’s Day Celebration at the Grand Hotel, featuring talks, activities and networking opportunities.
Running between 11am and 4pm,the event is free but you can reserve your spot online.
Chorley
St George’s Church Hall in Chorley is hosting an Interntaional Women’s Day eventy on Satrday, March 7.
A variety of activities, displays, performances and speeches will take place between 11am and 4pm - there will also be refreshements.
All are welcome and the event is free.
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Wyre
An event called ‘Women Growing Together’ takes place at Dalvee restaurant on Breck Road in Poulton-le-Fylde on Saturday, March 7.
Running between 10am and 2pm, this promises to be an inspiring, welcoming and connection-led event which will bring together women from across Lancashire and the North West’s food, drink, hospitality, marketing and creative industries.
The event is free but you must register online.
Accrington
Accrington Stanley Women will celebrate International Women’s Day in style this year by hosting their Alliance Design & Print Cup quarter-final as part of a special event at Accrington & Rossendale College on Sunday, March 8.
Kicking off at 2pm, Stanley Women will take on either FC United of Manchester or Penrith in what promises to be a thrilling cup encounter.
With free entry for all supporters, the club is inviting the whole community to come together for an unforgettable afternoon of football and festivities.
The celebrations will begin from 12pm, with a vibrant pre-match event featuring a range of stalls for spectators to explore and enjoy.
Supporters can soak up the atmosphere ahead of the big game, with entertainment planned throughout the afternoon and continuing after the final whistle.
A small selection of street food vendors will also be on site, helping to create a real festival feel as fans gather to celebrate both the team and the wider achievements of women in sport.
Sponsors of the club, across all age groups, are also being invited to attend the game as special VIPs, including first team sponsors Moguhl, Hyndburn Borough Council, Telana, SORM (School of Rock & Media Limited) and SJF Electrics.
Accrington Stanley Women Chair, Sami Smithson, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be hosting such a special event to celebrate International Women’s Day. It’s a huge game for the team in the Alliance Design & Print Cup, and we can’t wait to take to the pitch in front of a fantastic crowd.