In October 2025, WOW - Women of the World is coming to the North East for the very first time. Taking place in partnership with S&DR200, we’ll be packing Gala Durham full of unmissable talks, performances and workshops to celebrate the incredible women, girls and non-binary people of the North East.

On Friday 17 October, our WOW Schools Day will welcome young people from across the region for an inspiring day of talks, interactive sessions and creative workshops designed to spark new ideas and big conversations.

On Saturday 18 October, WOW North East opens its doors to people of all ages, for a festival brimming with energy, ideas, and inspiration. From personal, local stories of resilience and activism to headline interviews, film screenings and hands-on DIY workshops, you can expect thought-provoking moments, joy and celebration at every turn.

Sessions will span everything from creativity to politics, sex to sport, and motherhood to popular culture - with a specific focus on the devastating effects of the cost of living crisis, climate change and the role of public transport in a greener future, the aftermath of the pandemic – and how economic uncertainty has disproportionately hit women and girls in the North East, impacting health, wellbeing, employment, pay and education. We’ll explore the role women and girls had in the huge leap forward that the railway presented 200 years ago, and how we can make sure that women and girls are at the centre of the next wave of technological advancement – not just in the region, but right around the world.

Whether you’re here to listen, learn, connect, or take action, WOW is for everyone, so join us at WOW North East as we make history, honour the past, and shape an equal future together.