Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping has thrown his support behind a live concert celebrating women’s power and strength as part of a global campaign for equality.

The PCC will be attending the ‘Divas of the World’ concert at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall on March 8 which will feature a talented line up of female musicians, musical theatre vocalists and singers from across the county in celebration of International Women’s Day.

The event will be co-hosted by singer-songwriter Nina Smith and Kemet FM DJ Jackie P, will showcase the iconic anthems of female superstars including Shirley Bassey, Diana Ross and Beyoncé in a spectacle of pop, rock, soul and jazz.

It brings together the city’s 50-strong contemporary Limelight Orchestra with a wealth of local talent including singers Emily Makis and Betsey Bircumshaw, the Nottingham Women’s Centre Choir and the Nottingham Girls’ High School Choir.

The concert will also raise funds for the work of the Nottingham Women’s Centre, which has received funding from the PCC to increase the safety of women in the county and support its equality work.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EachforEqual and calls on everyone to take responsibility for challenging stereotypes, fighting bias, broadening perceptions, improving situations and celebrating women’s achievements.

The global event celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and is a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

Paddy Tipping, who is sponsoring the event, said: “I am delighted to be offering my support to the Divas concert and championing the voice, effort and achievements of women in this powerful and entertaining way.

“The show will celebrate the artistic endeavors of women through decades of music and reminds us of the contribution and influence women have made and continue to make to history over generations.

“I fully embrace this year’s theme #EachforEqual and believe all of us have a role to play in fighting prejudice and encouraging equality in the workplace. I am also pleased to be supporting Nottingham Women’s Centre through this event which has played such a huge role in the fight for equality locally, encouraging women to gain the training and skills they need to reach their fullest potential and keeping them safe from harm.”

Among the hits to be performed on the night are Get This Party Started, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, I’m Every Woman, Lady Marmalade, I Am What I Am, Run The World and Crazy In Love.

Funded by the Workers’ Educational Association in partnership with Nottingham Women’s Centre, the Women’s Voices choir has doubled in size since launching last summer and will be performing the empowering anthem ‘This is Me’ from The Greatest Showman.

Helen Voce, CEO, Nottingham Women’s Centre, said: “At the centre, we offer services and support to women as well as a whole breadth of ways to meet and socialise. One of these is of course the wonderful Women’s Voices choir.

“It’s been fantastic hearing them rehearse in the centre each week and I really admire each and every one of them for stepping up to take this opportunity to perform on a big stage when only a few months ago most of them had never sung in public before. It will be a fantastic achievement and also helps to spread awareness of the centre so we can continue to help women who may be in crisis or need a boost in confidence.

“It’s great to be part of International Women’s Day as it gives us a platform to share all the support on offer for women and help them feel Nottingham is a city for them. Of course, I’d really like to see a future where a campaign such as International Women’s Day is not even needed, but for now, it is, and I hope everyone gets behind it to help make a difference and support the future of the centre.”

The concert will be raising money for the Nottingham Women’s Centre, which has been working for more than 40 years to help women gain the confidence and skills to achieve their full potential.

Tickets are available to purchase online from the Royal Concert Hall. Prices range from £19.50 to £29.50. Click https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/diva/ for details.