Celebrating Women, Celebrating Community: KWC Marks International Women’s Day 2026

Friday 6th March 2026 | The Old Market House, Bangor

There was a special energy in the air on Friday 6th March as Kilcooley Women’s Centre welcomed members, friends, and supporters to the historic Old Market House in Bangor for our annual International Women’s Day celebration.  We were delighted to welcome women from all over Ards and North Down, with women being bussed from Ballywalter Millisle, Ards Peninsula and Newtownards to collectively recognise the women of the Borough.

The grandeur of the Old Market House, with its beautiful architecture and central location in the heart of Bangor, provided the perfect setting for an afternoon dedicated to recognising the achievements, resilience, and spirit of women from across our community. It felt particularly fitting to gather in a building that has stood at the centre of Bangor’s history for centuries, now hosting a new chapter in the story of women supporting women.

A Warm Welcome

The event was opened by the Mayor of Ards North Down, Cllr Gillian McCollum, the atmosphere was one of warmth, connection, and celebration. Our team at Kilcooley Women’s Centre had worked tirelessly to transform the space into a welcoming hub of activity and reflection. Bunting and balloons added colour, while tables laden with refreshments created opportunities for conversation and catching up. It was wonderful to see faces both familiar and new, with women of all ages and backgrounds coming together to mark this important day.  Music was provided by our own Community Choir, Songbirds and Kelly Brown and DJ William provided the musical entertainment.

Celebrating Achievement

The afternoon provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women locally and globally. We heard powerful reflections the CEO Alison Blayney about the about our  journey over the past 31 years, the challenges we have overcome, and the dreams we still hold to create bigger and better services for women children and families of the region.  

Personal stories, shared with honesty and courage during workshops reminded everyone present of the strength that exists within our community. They also underscored the vital role that KWC plays in providing a safe, supportive space where women can find their voice and believe in their own potential.

Creativity and Connection

No celebration at KWC would be complete without creativity, and our International Women’s Day event was no exception. Guests had the opportunity to participate in activities designed to inspire and uplift. From craft sessions where women created artwork wellbeing and holistic sessions, to informal discussions about the future of gender equality, there was something for everyone. The laughter and animated conversations that filled the Old Market House were a testament to the power of bringing women together. 

Thank you to the exhibitors who attended on the day for information advice and guidance to women – including Women’s Aid, PSNI, South Eastern Trust, Police Community Safety Partnership, Bangor Chamber Women in Business, and Fostering. 

Looking Forward, Honouring the Past

The choice of the Old Market House as our venue carried a deeper significance. This building, soon to be home to the upcoming PeacePlus Projects and the co-design sessions for planned local heritage. Our International Women’s Day celebration felt like a preview of the stories that will soon be told within these walls, connecting the women of today with the women who came before them.

Gratitude

We extend our thanks to everyone who joined us on Friday, to the dedicated staff and volunteers of Kilcooley Women’s Centre who made the event possible, and to the Old Market House for providing such a magnificent venue. International Women’s Day is one day, but the spirit of celebration, support, and empowerment that filled that room is something we carry with us every day at KWC.

Here’s to the women of Kilcooley, the women of Bangor, and women everywhere. Together, we are stronger.

Happy International Women’s Day 2026.