DON'T forget that it is International Women's Day on Thursday.

Bolton's International Women's Festival has already kicked off in style, and there will be plenty of special events for women this week.

The festival centres around International Women's Day on March 8, which has been celebrated around the world since 1910.

The date commemorates the march of female garment workers in New York on March 8, 1905. They demanded better working conditions and equal rights.

Executive member for culture and community services on Bolton Council, Councillor Ismail Ibrahim, said: "The International Women's Festival has become an important and entertaining part of Bolton's calendar and I would urge any women who haven't yet taken part in the event to go along and try something new.

"The festival offers a great opportunity for women from all backgrounds to come together, try new things and make new friends. And, of course, we are celebrating the achievements of women for the past 100 years."

For more information, visit www.boltonwomen.org.uk