Thousands of women expected to join suffrage centenary march
UP TO 10,000 women will parade through the streets of Cardiff as part of a huge event to mark 100 years since the first women got the vote.
Processions is a UK-wide event and women will take part in simultaneous marches in Cardiff, Manchester, Belfast and London on Sunday, June 10.
On arrival, those taking part will all be given green, white or violet wraps to wear, to represent the colours of the suffrage movement. They will then parade on a route through the city.
The event, described as a once-in-alifetime living artwork, aims to create a dramatic portrait of women in the 21st century. Organisations are being encouraged to make banners to carry on the day, echoing those carried by suffrage campaigners, forming a river of colour through the streets.
Workshops and events are taking place across Wales to organise the banners, which it is hoped will reflect the hopes and concerns of women today.
They include local and national charities and arts organisations, including well-known venues such as Aberystwyth Arts Centre, MOSTYN, Ruthin Craft Centre and Theatr Clwyd.
Processions is produced by events organiser Artichoke and commissioned by 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the World War I centenary, and will mark 100 years since the first British women won the vote.
The event is also part of the Festival of Voice festival held at Wales Millennium Centre. The festival’s 2018 programme, featuring music, theatre and performance, puts women and song at the heart of its new commissions.
Graeme Farrow, artistic director of the Wales Millennium Centre, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be working with Artichoke on Processions. This will be the first time they’ve brought one of their projects to Cardiff and we felt it was perfect timing to celebrate 100 years of suffrage during Festival of Voice and give the women of Wales an opportunity to come together, celebrate sisterhood and share their voices.”
Women and girls – including those who identify as women and non-binary individuals – are invited to register at www.processions.co.uk. Men are invited to support from the sidelines.