AN event celebrating 100 years since women won the vote also saw hopes and dreams set out for the next century.

Tatton MP Esther McVey attended The Pankhurst Party at Knutsford Town Council offices at the weekend, which saw dozens of people along with Town Mayor Cllr Peter Coan come together and remember the suffragette movement.

Local actress Berry Northern arrived dressed as Emmeline Pankhurst and treated the crowds to a rendition of her famous speech.

Ms McVey said: “It was lovely to have women of all ages coming together and celebrating what has been achieved and what we still can achieve in the future.

“There are no barriers now and it is so important young people know their gender does not have to hold them back.

“We wrote down our wishes for the next 100 years. The wishes on the tree were all powerful, but one that sticks in my head is that a women’s place will be wherever she wants it to be.”

Other wishes on the tree included more women in science especially STEM cell science, more women CEOs, women speaking up for women, refusing to stay silent, everyone is treated equally regardless of gender, sexuality, race or politics.

One of the event organisers from Tatton Conservatives, Joely Garland, just graduated from Leeds and her university dissertation has been nominated for the Gender and Feminist Geographies Research Group Undergraduate Dissertation.

Ms McVey added: “Joely is a great role model for young people across the constituency, she is so passionate about equality and empowering.

“Students from local schools were at the event and I hope they realise they can make a different in any way they want if they put their mind to it.”

The Wishes Tree will be displayed at the Forum for Private Business in Ruskin House during the Heritage Weekend in September, in connection with Ian Cass.

A special magazine edition written of a book written by Ms McVey called Commons Careers, which celebrates 100 years of women having the vote and being able to stand for Parliament and looks at the careers available in Parliament, was given out.