Thousands of girls involved in the Guiding movement in Bristol past and present will gather in the city to celebrate the start of the movement's centenary year.

Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and members of the Senior Section and Trefoil Guild have been invited to the festivities at the WISE Campus in Filton on Saturday.

They have been asked to bring along someone who had previously made their Guiding promise for what is expected to be the biggest ever gathering of members of the Guiding movement in the city.

About 6,000 girls and women from across Bristol and South Gloucestershire ranging in age from five to 95 are expected to attend the event that will launch a year-long programme of celebrations to mark the landmark anniversary.

The Girl Guides was set up after self-styled Girl Scouts met with Robert Baden-Powell at the first Scout rally in 1909 – two years after the movement for boys had been set up – and asked for recognition.

In 1910 the Girl Guides Association was formed with Baden-Powell's sister Agnes as president.

There will be a host of activities based around the five centenary themes of heritage, creativity, adventure, changing the world and music.

Stilt walkers, circus skills, cheer leaders, face painting and Caribbean dancing will be among the entertainment on offer at the gathering.

There will also be the chance to make dry ice, candy floss and slime and try climbing or human table football, as well as many other activities.

Creatures will be on display, including an owl, and there will be the chance to learn about the different types of tents and uniforms used by the different groups throughout the years.

Similar events will be taking place across the country throughout the weekend to mark the start of guiding 100 years ago.

Co-ordinator Maria Jenkins said: "This wasn't just some date we chose. On this day 100 years ago a group of girls turned up to the first boy Scout rally at Crystal Palace.

"They had seen the activities and work that the Scouts were doing and wanted something for the girls.

"These girls should be an inspiration to us all; they found an issue they cared about and took action to change their world.

"Little did they know that their actions would benefit millions of girls and young women across the UK and the world for hundreds of years to come."

Centenary launch co-ordinator for the area, Maria Jenkins, who runs a Rainbows group in Totterdown, said: "Those girls did something really historic back 100 years ago. They broke down barriers our girls never see now.

"And that is why the whole world will be celebrating on Saturday and we in Bristol and South Gloucestershire will meet in one place."

She added: "It is a bit daunting but it is going to be fantastic."