How to Celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 in Newcastle

Becca James + Jenny Lascelles + Steff Mundi @ The Globe

Excellent grass-roots venue The Globe is hosting a special gig celebrating International Women’s Day, headed up by Becca James. Describing herself as a ‘spirirtual alt-pop’ artist, James is from the North East originally although now studies music in the capital. With attention from the BBC, Netflix and Spotify, James’ spiritual bent extends to releasing projects on full moons. Support comes from Jenny Lascelles and Steff Mundi, both popular local singer-songwriters.

International Women's Day Data Science Event 2024 @ Newcastle Helix

A day of practical, hands-on skill and knowledge training related to data science from the National Innovation Centre For Data. The event is being held at The Catalyst in Newcastle Helix on the afternoon of IWD itself, and anyone identifying as a women is welcome to join data scientists Dr Antonia Kontaratou and Louise Braithwaite MSc for an introductory workshop, an interactive AI session and a networking opportunity. And it’s all free too!

Voicing Objects @ Great North Museum: Hancock

Running until 14th April, Voicing Objects is a new moving image artwork by Olivia Turner created in response to clay artefacts from the Shefton Collection Of Greek Archaelogy that tell stories of what life was like for women in the ancient world. Twinned with an improvised soundtrack created by vocal rehab expert Pippa Anderson, Turner's artwork explores the role that objects play in history to both uphold and challenge patriarchal constructions.

We Are Here & Discover Her Story @ Discovery Museum

Discovery Museum is home to two amazing trails that are open all year round, both celebrating local women in all their glory and both perfect for marking International Women’s Day. Discover Her Story commemorates trailblazing women from the North East’s past including abolitionist Anna Richardson and suffragette Connie Lewcock, while the We Are Here trail celebrates 16 inspirational women making a difference in contemporary communities, like Northumbria University professor Dr Donna Chambers and local MP Chi Onwurah.

International Women's Day Business Brunch @ Newcastle City Library 

Another free event on International Women’s Day is the IWD Business Brunch, hosted in the city library’s Bewick Hall by Business & IP Centre Newcastle. Aimed at start-ups and existing businesses alike, the brunch will feature talks from organisations like The Millin Charity, Reviving The Heart Of The West End and Female CEO founder / editor-in-chief Tricia Scott, amongst others. The brunch is a chance to share tips and information and network with other female business owners in the area. The event is free and brunch will be provided.

LASSES: Kicking Ass and Gathering En Masse @ Alphabetti

As usual, Alphabetti is doing things its own way for IWD and it looks like a splendid night out. There’s a ‘girl dinner’ before the event (a potluck meal affair), then a night of entertainment hosted by Rosie Bowden, including a performance by local creative Maya Torres and the Girls, Theys & Slays choir – a mixed women / non-binary choir - plus contributions from two other talented and creative women, Lucy Davis and Caitlin Fairlamb. Expect the unexpected but expect it to be celebratory!

Partnering with Incredible Women for 160 Years @ John Lewis  

John Lewis are inviting you to celebrate some of the incredible, female creators, both past and present in their store on Friday 8th March. From 11:30am-3:30pm DJ Elise is taking the floor while you sip on some fizz and explore your style on their womenswear floor. If you're looking for some tips and tricks, they're hosting a 'Fashion your Way Style Talk' at 1:30pm, where their personal stylists will be giving you expert advise on cultivating your unique, individual look. If clothes aren't your thing, they're also running Gin Tastings on their 2nd floor throughout the day. They also have plenty of other activities and offers planned throughout the day for you to enjoy. 

ARTIST ROOMS: Vija Celmins & Katie Cuddon: A is for Alma @ Hatton Gallery

The Hatton Gallery has a pair of shows running at the moment (until 4th May) that celebrate female creativity. As part of the national touring collection ARTISTS ROOMS, works by Latvian-American artist Vija Celmins - whose exquisitely detailed drawings and prints explore natural phenomena - will be on display, as will local artist Katie Cuddon's A is for Alma - her first solo show in 15 years which features clay works she's created since becoming a mother that examine motherhood and the instinctive experiments kids have with things like Play-Doh.

Live Encounter: Dame Sheila Hancock @ Live Theatre

If you were looking for a magnificent woman to celebrate for International Women’s Day, you could do worse than Dame Sheila Hancock, who’s appearing as one of the Live Theatre’s Live Encounters on Thursday 7th March. A beloved veteran of stage, big and small screen, she is now a woman of letters – both her acclaimed autobiographies, but also now a novelist. She’ll be joined by Jack McNamara, Live’s artistic director, for a wide-ranging and doubtless fascinating conversation that will consider her long life and storied career.

That’s just a small selection of events taking place across in Newcastle for International Women's Day that explore or celebrate womanhood in various exciting ways – through music and art, through conversation and fellowship. Why not get involved this year and remember to #inspireinclusion?