Celebrating 100 years of votes for women in Bristol

Bristol’s strong history of activism has helped secure £173,056 to celebrate 100 years of women’s suffrage and spearhead a programme to promote equality.

The aim is to inspire future generations and learn from history as the project brings a series of events to the city throughout 2018, including a lantern parade, music, debates, science activities and – in true Bristol style – some specially-commissioned street art.

Bristol Women’s Voice, in partnership with Bristol City Council, submitted the bid for the Government’s Centenary Cities: 100 years of votes for women grant.

Penny Gane, chair of Bristol Women’s Voice and Bristol Women’s Commission, said: “We are thrilled to have won this grant and to be working with so many organisations in the city to make sure we learn from our past and continue to strive for women’s equality now and in the future.”

In the early 20th Century, Bristol had the highest level of suffrage activity outside of London and February 6 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of women – those over the age of 30 who owned property – finally being granted the right to vote.

Mayor Marvin Rees says Bristol has a proud history of fighting for equality.

“Bristol has a strong history of activism to support the rights of many communities and groups, few more so than the campaign for women’s suffrage,” said mayor Marvin Rees.

“As a city, we can be proud of the part played by those Bristol activists who fought the fight when equality seemed a distant ambition and those who continue to educate and campaign on women’s rights.

“I am grateful for the continued advice and activity of Bristol Women’s Voice and others who are working towards next year’s centenary celebrations.”

Bristol Women’s Voice is kicking off the celebrations on December 12 2017 with a pop-up shop at Bristol University’s Beacon House, where they will be selling goods made by women and special edition suffrage centenary mugs.

Following the lead of suffragettes who raised funds for their cause back in the day, the charity wants to raise money to enable the continuation of its Zero Tolerance campaign which is threatened with closure.

Going into the new year, a lantern parade down Park Street, culminating in a City Hall reception on February 6, will mark the centenary anniversary of women getting the right to vote.

The Wills tower, which has previously been lit to celebrate Pride, will be illuminated in the Suffragette colours to mark 100 years of votes for women

The Wills Memorial Building tower and The Victoria Rooms will be illuminated in Suffragette colours and a choir of 100 girls will sing ‘The March of the Women’ by Dame Ethel Smyth, a prominent composer and key member of the movement for Votes for Women.

Then there will be celebrations for International Women’s Day on March 8 2018, with music, interactive theatre, hot topic debates and more.

M Shed will host an exhibition, talks and guided suffragette tours, SS Great Britain’s Future Brunels programme will hold a hands-on science event for girls on International Women in Engineering Day and there will be a citywide digital game.

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Upfest is commissioning female graffiti artists to celebrate women past, present and future and there will be actors dressed as suffragettes out and about during Democracy week to educate people on the past and them to use their right to vote, to name but a few of the planned events.

Main photo: Penny Gane.

Read more: Urgent help needed to continue work of Bristol Zero Tolerance