Final preparations are being made for the 20th Oxford International Women’s Festival.

The festival, which runs over a fortnight, starts with a colourful parade from Oxford Town Hall to Broad Street at 10am on Saturday, headed by a giant woman puppet, a gigantona, made by visitors from Oxford’s Nicaraguan twin town, Leon In all, the festival will feature more than 40 different events including drumming bands, masks, banners, and dance.

This year’s theme is pioneering and inspirational women.

Festival co-ordinator Chris Eady said: “It is the fruition of a lot of hard work and we are delighted because it is all falling into place.”

The future of the festival, which is expected to attract in the region of 10,000 women and men to at least one of its events, had been in doubt after Oxford City Council turned down a funding request.

But the event was saved after receiving financial support from the Big Lottery Fund, Oxon Community Grassroots Grants, Oxfam and dozens of private donors – and will now be bigger than ever.

The Big Lottery Fund grant has paid for 10 different community events, including a Caribbean Feast at Blackbird Leys Community Centre on Saturday at 6.30pm, a makeover morning at Cutteslowe Community Centre on Wednesday, March 4, and a Strictly Come Barton dance event at Barton Neighbourhood Centre on the last day, Sunday, March 15.

Ms Eady said: “I think anybody who has never been to the festival before should dip their toe in the water and try it.

“If you look at the programme, there is something for everyone.

“The idea is we celebrate that diversity and include all the various broad ethnic and minority groups and everyone that contributes to women’s success.”

One of the latest events to be added to the programme is a Holi celebration, marking the Hindu spring festival of colours.

It will take place at South Oxford Community Centre, Lake Street, on Saturday, March 14, following on from two earlier events at the centre day offering a spotlight on inspirational and pioneering women in South Oxford.

More information and full programmes of events are available at oxfordwomen.co.uk fbardsley@oxfordmail.co.uk