SISTERS did it for themselves in Bridport to mark International Women’s Day.

And grandmothers, daughters and children danced in the street on Saturday, March 8, as part of a weekend of celebrations and activities.

The programme was organised by Bridfem, Bridport’s feminist group.

The weekend started with a performance at The Avenue restaurant of a community pop-up play about the Bronte sisters, taken from The Domestic Theatre Handbook by Beth Shaw – who came to direct it herself.

Parts were distributed to the audience, and unexpected acting talents were discovered as the roles of Charlotte Bronte, Mr Rochester and Heathcliffe and Cathy amongst others were handed out to willing – and some reluctant participants.

Bridfem representative Margie Barbour said: “The main event took place on Saturday in Bucky Doo Square when a flash-mob of 35 dancers invaded the square to dance to Break the Chain.

“The music is danced to all over the world to raise awareness of the issue of violence against women.”

In the library children came to hear a storytelling session with Madeleine Goodey telling tales of Clever Girls and Cunning Creatures.

On Saturday evening comedian Shappi Khorsandi performed at the Bridport Arts Centre and on Sunday the Chapel in the Garden in East Street hosted more than 130 people including five choirs.

Songs of peace to mark the centenary of 1914 were sung in unison by the choirs and audience and each choir also sang songs they had chosen to reflect the theme.

The music included Peace is flowing like a River by the Choir of Hope, to Lean on Me by the Cakeholes Choir, Nkosi Sikelele by Local Vocals and ended with a version of You’ll Never Walk alone by Bridport Voices.

A Women’s Day Open Mic Night was taking place at the Beach and Barnicott last night, March 12 where poet Anna Freud was performing some of her acclaimed poems and all-comers were invited to read poems or short prose pieces.

Ms Barbour added: “BridFem is a group of women in Bridport who meet monthly in a friendly informal way at the Beach and Barnicott.

“All women are welcome at the monthly meetings, and at the next one on Wednesday, April 2 at 7.30pm there will be a discussion about books, films, TV shows and music which have a feminist theme or perspective.”