Churchill Square will be transformed into a celebration of community, wellbeing and local enterprise this International Women’s Day, as Brighton Girl partners with the city-centre destination for a one-day takeover.
On 8 March, three retail units and the central footbridge at Churchill Square will host a programme of pop-ups, wellness sessions, performances and community showcases designed to spotlight businesses loved by Brighton Girl, alongside charities and grassroots organisations making a difference across Sussex.
The activation is being delivered under the International Women’s Day theme #GiveToGain, a campaign encouraging women to invest in each other and their local communities, recognising that when support is shared, impact grows.
A Day of Wellness, Enterprise and Visibility
The takeover will include a dedicated Wellness Space, delivered by Brighton Wellness Festival, featuring a rolling schedule of fitness, yoga and dance sessions led by local instructors.
Alongside this, Brighton Girl will curate business pop-ups and community stands, highlighting brands loved by their community and charities working across Sussex. Confirmed charities include Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, RISE and Brighton Women’s Centre, all of whom will be present on the day to share information about their work across the city.
The marketplace will also feature much-loved local brands including Kindly, Afrori Books and Redroaster, bringing a mix of ethical gifting, literature and independent coffee to the space.
Workshops will also take place throughout the day from Theatre Royal Brighton and Brighton Book Festival, adding a cultural dimension to the programme and inviting visitors to engage creatively as well as socially.
The centre’s footbridge will host live performances from the City of Stars Choir, bringing music into the heart of the shopping destination.
Brighton Girl is part of the wider City Girl Network, which connects more than 60,000 women locally and 250,000 nationally through events, business support and curated recommendations.
Founder Pippa Moyle said the aim of the collaboration is to move International Women’s Day beyond symbolism and into tangible economic and social impact:
“Bringing this into Churchill Square matters. We’re putting community at the centre of a major commercial space and shining a light on the organisations and businesses Brighton believes in. International Women’s Day should create real opportunity. When we show up and champion one another, we strengthen our economy and build a more connected, confident city.”
Andrew Porter, Community Engagement Lead at Churchill Square, added:
“Brighton has this incredible energy – it’s a city that celebrates creativity, supports each other, and isn’t afraid to do things differently. That’s exactly what we want Churchill Square to reflect. This partnership with Brighton Girl feels like such a natural fit because it’s about opening our doors to the everyday heroes of our city – the wellness instructors, the independent bookshops, the charities doing vital work right here in Sussex. At Ingka Centres, we believe our Meeting Places should be for everyone. The #GiveToGain message captures something fundamental about this city: when we lift each other up, we all rise together.”
Natasha Jackson, Founder of Brighton Wellness Festival, said:
“International Women’s Day is about more than celebration — it’s about creating meaningful access and opportunity. We’re proud to support Pippa and City Girl Network by bringing accessible, empowering and diverse wellness experiences into the heart of the city. What’s happening at Churchill Square is just a glimpse of the vibrant, values-led wellbeing community Brighton offers all year-round.”
Reimagining Retail as Community Space
The partnership highlights a growing trend of retail spaces being used as platforms for purpose-driven activity. By opening units to community groups, founders and wellbeing leaders, Churchill Square is positioning itself not just as a shopping destination, but as a space for everyone.
The celebration will continue into the evening, with The Inn on the Square curating a special after-hours event once the centre closes, extending the #GiveToGain message beyond the daytime programme.
The event invites shoppers and visitors to explore the pop-ups, participate in sessions and discover the businesses and organisations contributing to the city’s economy.
Full programme details will be released via Brighton Girl and the Brighton Wellness Festival channels ahead of the day
