Arts charity Keighley Creative has teamed up with the Airedale Shopping Centre to put on a programme of events to highlight the talents of local women.
Cliffe Castle Support Group and Keighley Local Studies Library are also hosting activities. Keighley Creative said the day’s events will demonstrate the amazing things on offer by and for women in Keighley.
The free events will run from 10am to 3pm this Saturday (11th March).
Local DJ Maria Spadafora and all-female band West Riding will provide music at the shopping centre’s cafe space next to the Rombald statue. The lower cafe area of the Airedale Shopping Centre will host a colouring station and there will also be a tai chi workshop with Val Preston in one of the centre’s vacant units.
Service providers from the town will also have a stall in the Airedale Shopping Centre, offering activities.
At Keighley Creative’s new base in the former Argos building on Cooke Lane, local independent female-owned businesses will showcase their work and the Eden Community Association will be offering free pampering sessions, including henna, head and shoulder massages and mini facials.
As well as the attractions in the shopping centre, Cliffe Castle Support Group is organising a women’s wellbeing walk, starting at 2pm from the museum, for which booking is essential (https://bookwhen.com/trulyessential-wellbeing/e/ev-s419-20230311140000).
The Local Studies Library on North Street will host a talk by historian and actor Irene Lofthouse. The author will tell the remarkable stories of women movers and shakers, including the woman who owned the first Dalton Mill and fought off intimidation; another who championed the first children’s allowance, now Family Credit; why a female councillor resigned from the Labour Party in 1947; one who stood up to Lord Reith as one of the first female members of the BBC Board; which Keighley lass wrote The Feminist Movement – way before the 1970s. The event will run from 10-11am and Irene will then lead visitors to the shopping centre to view an exhibition of portraits by local artist Sophie Powell.
The events will be staged on the nearest Saturday to International Women’s Day which is on Wednesday 8th March. This year’s theme is Embrace Equity.
As well as the events on 11th March, Keighley Creative and The Unit, which is backed by Bradford Council, Channel 4 and the Impact Hub, is offering a film screening evening on International Women’s Day itself. The event will run from 6-8pm on 8th May at the Keighley Creative base in the old Argos building.
Updates will be posted on the Keighley Creative Facebook page at facebook.com/KeighleyCreative
Skipton event planned for private landlords
World-class tennis returns with Ilkley Trophy
Exploring Ilkley Moor: Free guided walks and educational events
Young BGT magician includes Ilkley in tour
Ilkley's newly elected Deputy and Town Mayor
Company behind Skipton food and drink festival ceases trading
Residents spring into action for a fairer deal for Ilkley District
District's first average speed cameras installed on A650
Group that helps people connect with nature to get new home in park building
What are the top priorities for Ilkley? Share your thoughts in the community consultation
Nick Hancock returns to breakfast radio in Skipton and Ilkley
Silsden store supports local NHS Charity at fashion show fundraiser
Leading environmentalist tells Ilkley to get real about climate crisis
Local Pride groups receive new patron
Outside the Box hosts ‘Thank You’ EP launch
Silsden quarry blocked after Planning Inspector rejects appeal
Friends of Ilkley Railway Station share results of public consultation
Grade II listed structure at Keighley station needs urgent repairs
The Hive to host Silsden community fun day
18 local businesses compete in 5-a-side event
