Hundreds of women will march through the centre of Manchester to mark International Women’s Day on Sunday 6 March.
The march will bring together women and their allies from across Greater Manchester, with those taking part banging and clanging their way through town in the name of equality.
It will progress through the city in a celebration of the huge economic, political and social achievements women have made since first winning the right to vote just over 100 years ago.
It will also serve as a reminder that parity between the sexes has not yet been achieved and there is still more work to be done to reach true equality.
There will be women-led chants and singing, with participants encouraged to bring along instruments to make some noise as they go.
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The walk will start at 12.30pm on Liverpool Road outside the Castlefield Urban Heritage Park, before progressing down Deansgate towards Manchester Cathedral where it will end.
Whilst the suffrage movement was nationalised in London, it first began in Manchester in 1903 when Moss Side local Emmeline Pankhurst founded the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) with the motto ‘Deeds not words’.
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To that end, it seems only fitting that after a two-year hiatus hundreds of women and their supporters will be able to demonstrate their support for IWD as they proudly walk through the city.
“Whether you’re a lone ranger or part of a group, we’d love to see you walking with us- we cannot wait to rise, roar and represent women.”
Councillor Becky Chambers, Lead Elected Member for Women, added: “International Women’s Day is an important date marking the economic, political and social achievements of women.
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“However, as we all know there is still inequality and women have not reached parity just yet. When we celebrate the wonderful women who have fought for us, we should also be conscious of the steps we need to take in the future to aid women and future generations.”
Large groups, businesses and organisations are encouraged to get involved and register for an official place in the Walk for Women. As part of Our Year, young women will be encouraged and supported to attend this.
For more information about the Walk for Women, to register a group to take part in the official parade or to learn more about other events taking place visit the council website here.
Wigan Warriors make history after yet another Super League Grand Final victory
Danny Jones
Wigan Warriors have made Super League history after winning yet another Grand Final following what can only be dubbed a spellbinding season.
Beating Hull Kingston Rovers 9-2 in what was their 13th Grand Final, not only have they now lifted the trophy for the seventh time but they have also become the first team in the Super League era to win the hallowed quadruple.
To make things even more special, the landmark evening in Manchester saw them match the same achievement of winning all four major pieces of silverware 30 years on from their famous Wigan predecessors in 1994, and are one of just a handful of teams to ever do so.
Matt Peet’s side signed off on an incredible year after winning not only the Challenge Cup and World Cup Challenge but by lifting the League Leaders’ Shield and retaining their Grand Final.
Star-man Bevan French put them ahead in the game before Harry Smith gave them breathing room before half-time and despite Hull KR answering back with a penalty in their first-ever visit to the final, Adam Keighran’s kick helped make sure the Warriors made it over the line.
That’s a couple of Challenge Cups, two lots of League Leaders’ Shields, a World Cup Challenge and a pair of successive Super League Grand Final wins in just 99 games over eight months as head coach for Peet too. Generational.
While the likes of Bradford and St Helens have won all four prizes up for grabs over the course of two seasons, a record like this is simply sensational and well and truly puts them up there as one of if not the greatest rugby league side ever – as if they weren’t in the conversation already.
You can see how much it meant when they lifted the trophy:
Things look to be only getting better for the Cherry and Whites under the Wigan local and they seem to be more fitting of their Warriors title under his watch than arguably ever.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, winner of the inaugural Rob Burrow Player of the Match award French said: “It’s been an emotional week. We knew history was on the line, with the chance to be the first to win all four in a calendar year.
“This one just meant more. The club went above and beyond to surprise me by flying my brother and uncle over, so this is special. I might not ever get to feel like this again. I’ve got to take it all in.”
Winning the quadruple in the modern era doesn’t just beckon Wigan Warriors into the history books, it could signal the start of a new period of dominance as was seen in the 1980s and 90s. Are the Saints about to make way for a new Northern super-power?
You can watch the highlights from the 2024 Betfred Super League Grand Final and see how Wigan completed the quadruple down below.
— Barefoot Spooky Bartender 👣💀🍹 (@barefoottiki) October 10, 2024
“Be assured there won’t be 14408mph winds, hurricane force winds or overnight temperatures of 404°C.
“It is being looked at and hopefully sorted asap.”
BBC Weather shared: “You may have noticed some data issues on our app and website. We are working hard to fix it quickly. Sorry – please bear with us.
“In the meantime here are Thursday’s weather headlines: -Colder, clearer air moving in -Rain and drizzle in south -Blustery showers near east coast”
And national treasure Carol Kirkwood said live on air: “We are having a technical glitch at the moment. It’s showing wind speeds far too fast, in fact, hurricane strength and that is not the case at all.
“Please don’t be alarmed. We are aware of it and on it.”
At the time of writing, the BBC Weather forecast service is still predicting hurricane force winds for the UK. Eek.