International Women's Day is celebrated annually around the globe on March 8th. It is a day to recognise the achievements of women around the world regardless of nationality, ethnic background, culture, economic status or political beliefs.

In Baghdad, women have rallied for equal treatment... In Afghanistan you'll find women praying, holding poetry readings and demonstrating martial arts to show empowerment. In the Congo women hold parades and protests against unpunished assaults…In Kosovo the women are treated to flowers and free food. And here in the UK, people across the country organise a variety of events in honour of International Women's Day.

This year La Festa della Donna as it is known in Italy, was celebrated in style by ladies of Chester at Bollicini Restaurant in Rufus Court, Chester. Bollicini guests were treated to a fantastic afternoon tea with Champagne reception. There were also makeup and hairstyling demonstrations from Hinton Bliss (Rufus Court) and Space NK (Eastgate Row) as well as style advice from Emma Jones – a personal shopper who trained with TVs Trinny and Susannah.

The event raised £100 for CLIC – a charity started by Century Radio to help young people with cancer and their families.

International Women's Day originated in 1911 in Copenhagen by Clara Zetkin, Leader of the ‘Women's Office' for the Social Democratic Party in Germany. This followed many years of women's campaigning dating back to British MP John Stuart Mill – the first person in Parliament calling for women's right to vote.

Bollicini Restaurant and Bar is located in Rufus Court, off Northgate Street and holds regular events throughout the year. Their next event is a wine tasting evening on 24th April in association with Region Wines.