International Women’s Day is an annual celebration that celebrates women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements worldwide. On March 8women and their allies gather to lift each other and embrace equity. However, this day should not only be a day to reflect on what women have achieved but a day to have fun and celebrate us. So, if you still don’t have plans for this day, here are all the things to do in London on International Women’s Day.
1. Dine at an incredible women-owned venue
What better way to celebrate than over a delicious dinner hosted by celebrity chef Romy Gill MBE at Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai on Wednesday 6th March located just off Oxford Street. For International Women’s Day, Head Chef Avi and Romy Gill have come together to prepare a special feast that not only celebrates their Indian cultural heritage but also the women in the hospitality industry and most importantly, an ode to the mothers and grandmothers who have passed on their recipes throughout generations. You can book tickets here!
2. Explore art exhibitions in London celebrating women artists
London no doubt has a fantastic range of exhibitions on display at some of the best galleries across the city. With March marking Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day just around the corner, why not explore the works of the best female artists the city has to offer? Exploring the realms of womanhood, feminism and beyond – there is an incredible selection of exhibitions to select from including UK’s largest Yoko Ono exhibit at the Tate Modern, Women in Revolt at Tate Britain and Acts of Resistance: Photography, Feminisms, and the Art of Protest at South London Gallery. You can find more female-focused exhibitions here.
3. Try out a special wine tasting honouring female winemakers
This International Women’s Daywhy not experience a guided tasting featuring several wines produced by female winemakers and learn more about it in an interesting discussion led by the Guardian’s wine writer Fiona Beckettand wine educator and founder of Vina Lupa Emily Harman? All of that alongside some lovely nibbles served by The Pilgrm to pair with the wine and all for a good cause with all profits from tickets going to support the work of Equal Measures 2030 – an initiative towards gender equality. You can buy tickets here.
On International Women’s Daywhy not celebrate with ABBA? Enjoy an evening of music with your girlfriends or mum in a stunning candlelit tribute to ABBA as you’ve never experienced before. Dance, jive and have the time of your life while classically trained musicians play Gimme, gimme, gimme, Oh mama, Do you wantand other ABBA anthems. S.O.S grab your tickets here!
The Natural History Museum have organised specialised (and completely free) tours of the museum from female perspectives. Whether its groundbreaking advancements in fashion or delving into historic achievements made by women of colour, these insightful tours will be taking place throughout March to honour Women’s History Month. So, whether you’re looking for an excuse to make your overdue return to the Natural History Museum, or wish to celebrate International Women’s Day in a fun and unique way, consider checking out these fantastic tours that are available to book online.
6. Tuck into a four-course candlelit meal at a supper club
7. Shop at Carnaby Street’s brand new pop-up in celebration of International Women’s Day
This March, Carnaby Street is partnering with UK charity, Smart Works to support their mission of empowering women across the UK who need help securing employment. Smart Works is set to open a pop-up at 57 Carnaby Street, running 1st – 24th March, to coincide with International Women’s Day. With an exciting lineup of fashion, homeware, childrenswear, accessory and beauty brands on display, 100% of the proceeds raised from the pop-up going directly to the charity.
The Carnaby Street Smart Works pop-up, will feature brands who have donated products including Frame, Lily & Lionel, Jovonna London, Hush, Aligne, Celeste Starre, Rise & Fall, Kitri, By Alona, WAT The Brand, Orelia, Lisou, Daisy Jewellery, Boden, Heidi RoseDickies, Free People, Spanx, Radley London, Missoma, Sister Jane, to name a few, with discounts of up to 70%.
8. Experience some live jazz at Crazy Coqs, Brasserie Zedel
Ya like jazz? Say no more because nestled within the Zedel building in Piccadilly, Crazy Coqs has confirmed an exciting line up of female performers on Friday, 8 March. You can enjoy a live performance from singer Jo Harrop at 7pmor a show from saxophonist Tori Freestone and pianist Alcyona Mick from 9.15pm alongside cocktails, wine, champagne – take your pick! You can find more information here.
9. Take a ‘step forward’ with this educational summit
Women’s collective AllBright are set to take over International Women’s Day with the 2024 Step Forward Summit. You can participate in an immersive day of talks, panels, workshops and wellness sessions with speakers including Comedian and Writer Katherine RyanBritish beauty entrepreneur Trinny Woodall, Businesswoman and food writer, Ella Mills – best known as ‘Deliciously Ella’, and Emma Dabiriauthor of ‘Don’t Touch My Hair.’ And it’s not just talks and workshops, you can also attend a stunning cocktail party with some of London’s leading women. You can buy tickets here.
10. Attend a hilarious comedy night alongside a three-course dinner
Get together for a hilarious night of top-quality comedy with a star-studded, all female line-up this International Women’s Day (Friday 8th March, 6pm) at The Moniker by Drake & Morgan. All of that whilst enjoying a three-course dinner and a bar! In collaboration with the UK’s legendary comedy house, The Comedy Store, you can see performances from the acclaimed Thanyia Moore, Helen Bauer, and Ria Lina for an hour-long show. Book your spot now!
London is a diverse city, and as such, is home to a range of events – as you can see from the rest of this piece! Behind the scenes are women from all walks of life, who play key roles in creating the experiences we all know and love. We sat down with three such women – read about their motivations, their thoughts on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, and advice for women in the events industry here.
So, head out, seek out women-led events where you can, and have a great International Women’s Day!
