ARTS and health events are taking place at Swindon's Central Library to mark International Women’s Day.

The free festivities are taking place between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, a day before the official event.

During the day there will be music and poetry performances and women and men, between 40 and 74, are being encouraged to have a free health check up.

Organiser Karen Rowland said: “I’m really looking forward to bringing together women from business and art to showcase their work and expertise.

“Our aim is to highlight the many groups and organisations who support the town’s women. Our theme is equality for women is equality for all and we hope the programme reflects this.”

Adding to the day’s highlights, there will be a pop-up café and free art workshops at the Artsite and Number Nine Gallery, in Theatre Square.

Karen said: “One of the key things is highlighting Swindon’s cultural landscape with all the different mediums our female artists work in.”

The health checks aim to discover undiagnosed conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke potential and diabetes.

Coun Keith Williams, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for corporate services, said: “I’m delighted that Swindon plans to celebrate International Women’s Day with such a diverse range of activities.

“There really is something of interest to all and I encourage everyone to pop along and join in the festivities. Whether you want to embrace your creative side, take up the free health MOT or browse the community stalls, it promises to be a great day.”

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women's Day is a national holiday.

For more about the day visit www.facebook.com/iwdswindon