WOW North East returns with The Hope Brigade

14 Jan 2026
A group of 11 people stand on stage smiling. There is are the backs of audience members standing up in the foreground, and a sign on stage saying WOW Women of the World

This year will see the premiere of the first ever North East edition of The Hope Brigade, our global photography exhibition now in its sixth year and counting that offers a platform to trailblazing women, girls and non-binary people from across the world. The new edition follows The Hope Brigade editions in more than 10 regions across the world from Karachi to Manchester, Athens to Rio with more than 150 people now showcased as part of the series. You can explore some of these photographs on the website here. 

To launch the North East edition of The Hope Brigade, we're so excited to today announce a special event at Middlesbrough Theatre on International Women’s Day 2026 (8 March). Hosted by WOW Founder Director Jude Kelly, WOW North East: International Women’s Day Celebration will feature individuals from the exhibition in conversation, including Teissy Easton, Jordan Groody and Kate Fox. 

An afternoon of local stories, inspiring interviews and reasons to be hopeful, audiences will hear more about The Hope Brigade’s own experiences, their work in their specific fields and what gives them optimism in a world where the news often feels relentless. Tickets will are sale now here. 

This special regional edition of The Hope Brigade follows on from WOW’s first ever North East festival (WOW North East) which took place in Autumn 2025 as part of the 200th anniversary celebrations of the first journey on the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR200). Created in partnership with S&DR200, The Hope Brigade North East will spotlight women, girls and non-binary people whose work, creativity and activism are reshaping communities across the North East of England reflecting the 12 curatorial pillars of WOW’s work. 

Consisting of 26 different portraits shot by award-winning local photographer Joanne Coates, the same number of miles as the Stockton & Darlington Railway, the exhibition will launch on International Women’s Day at a location to be announced and online as a digital exhibition on WOW’s website before travelling to different locations across the region throughout March including Shildon, Newcastle, Darlington and more. 

Selected via an open nominations process, the individuals photographed for the exhibition have been included based on their work across a variety of areas that reflect the forces shaping gender equity in the region. Nominees include: dancer, performer and clog-dancing advocate Laura Connolly; activist Heather Wood, who is known for her work in the Women Against Pit Closures movement in the 1980s; inspirational skater and surfer Sam Metcalfe; activist Ann Ming MBE who changed the legal framework for Double Jeopardy; Founder of Boro Doughnut Emi Imai a champion of the doughnut economic model;  Vici Wreford-Sinnott an activist in the field of disability and disability arts; award-winning Chartered Accountant Jordan Groody; Rumana Yasmin Director of Bok Bok Books; charity worker and refugee advocate Susan Mansaray; Rie Pearson founder of Be Kind, No Excuses which helps teenage girls recognise abusive behaviours in intimate relationships; foster carer Eileen; Bollywood Dance Artist Ravinda Cheema; Advanced Wellbeing Practitioner Esther Walton; local dance teacher Teissy Easton; and comedian, writer and poet Kate Fox. Further individuals will be announced in the New Year.

Colette Bailey, WOW’s CEO said: "Growing up in Hartlepool, my early life was shaped by so many strong female role models who instilled in me a life-long commitment to social justice and equity. It's wonderful to have the opportunity now, as WOW's CEO, to bring The Hope Brigade photography project to the wider north east region. The project has happened all over the world – and each time, gives people the opportunity to discover members of their communities who are driving positive change. We had dozens of nominations, the 26 who are part of the exhibition are just the tip of the iceberg of the people and initiatives that are tirelessly driving progress across the north east in both big and small ways. These 26 now join more than 150 women and non-binary people across six continents who have taken part in The Hope Brigade since 2020. 

"After the enormous success of the first ever WOW North East, we're thrilled to be partnering again with S&DR200 to launch this special North East edition and highlight the many incredible people in the region."

Niccy Hallifax, S&DR200 Festival Director, said: "WOW North East was one of the major highlights of S&D200, bringing together hundreds of people to celebrate the many stories – past and present – of women and non-binary people across the North East doing incredible things. We're thrilled to continue the spirit of the festival with this landmark exhibition showcasing 26 portraits –  one for each mile of the S&DR200 railway – of extraordinary people making real change in their communities. We hope you'll all join us on International Women's Day at Middlesborough Theatre to celebrate them and the legacy of S&DR200."