WOW Perth took place in 2017 and 2018 as part of the nine festivals supported by Spirit of 2012. Over 1000 joined the first Scottish WOW hosted by the community of Perth and Kinross.

In 2017 WOW Perth took place on 27-29 October at Perth Concert Hall and audiences of all ages came together to celebrate the accomplishments of women, girls and non-binary people during a vibrant weekend of music, dance, comedy, yoga, speed mentoring, and even skateboarding! Standout moments featured First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in conversation with Jude Kelly, along with insights from the festival's WOWsers – young ambassadors of the festival. Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism, and External Affairs delivered a keynote talk. Speakers included successful figures from literature, current affairs, and comedy, such as crime writer Val McDermid, broadcaster Kirsty Wark and comedian Luisa Omielan.

In 2018 the festival took place at the newly restored Horsecross Theatre from 29-30 September. The programme included conversations about the Criminal Justice System, technology and women's rights online and historical contributions of LGBTQIA+ women, challenging their erasure from popular consciousness. Audiences participated in workshops about how to change a tyre, puppetry in Scotland and Pakistan and a dance workshop celebrating African Diaspora in Scotland by Project X. The programme featured appearances from Horse McDonald, Yamina Peerzada and Jordan Stephens.

The festival programmer was Lou Brodie.

WOW Perth was presented by Horsecross Theatre in partnership with Southbank Centre and supported by Spirit of 2012.

Spirit of 2012 funded nine of the UK’s regional WOW festivals across five cities (Bradford, Cardiff, Norwich, Perth and Exeter) from 2016-2018. Across the three years, the project trained 107 women in cultural leadership, and supported 68 young women and girls to volunteer as ‘WOWsers’, shaping the festivals themselves. 650 people took part as facilitators, artists and speakers, and more than 9,000 people attended the events.

Spirit of 2012 is a funding charity, established by the Big Lottery Fund with a £47m endowment from the National Lottery. Spirit funds projects that bring people together – to learn something new, do something different, or experience something unique – and that leave behind a social legacy of increased wellbeing at an individual level, as well as happier and more connected communities.

Find out more about Spirit of 2012's work with WOW here.