WOW London

A diverse panel of seven people seated on stage, engaged in discussion. Warm lighting and wood paneling create an inviting atmosphere.

WOW London is the original WOW - Women of the World Festival, the birthplace of the global movement that has since spread across six continents. Founded by Jude Kelly CBE at the Southbank Centre in 2010, the festival was created to mark the centenary of International Women’s Day – and WOW has celebrated International Women’s Day in London annually ever since.

WOW London is a joyful, dynamic, and vital space where thousands gather to celebrate the achievements of women and girls and to examine the barriers they still face. From renowned artists and world leaders to grassroots campaigners and young activists, the festival brings together people from all walks of life to learn, connect and take action.

Image gallery

  • A vibrant concert hall is filled with a standing audience, applauding enthusiastically. The stage is lit warmly, showcasing musicians and performers.
  • Young woman in a purple headscarf sits on stage, smiling warmly beside a microphone.
  • Annie Lennox performs on stage at a piano under red lighting. Their arms are raised
  • Two young girls in pink jackets focus on drawing with colourful markers at a table. Art supplies are scattered around.

Over the years, WOW London has welcomed speakers and performers including Malala Yousafzai, Angela Davis, Annie Lennox, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Patrick Stewart, Salma Hayek, and thousands more who may not have public platforms but are doing extraordinary work.

In 2025, WOW London celebrated its 15th anniversary with a landmark event at the Royal Albert Hall, featuring Angela Davis, a new choral commission by Errollyn Wallen and discussion and performance from Annie Lennox, Anoushka Shankar, Harriet Walter, Jordan Stephens, Liz Carr and Sandi Toksvig, drawing together WOW’s community for a truly historic occasion.

As the inaugural WOW Festival, WOW London launched the festival's unique building blocks, including the famous WOW Day Pass, WOW Speed Mentoring and WOW Big Ideas. Produced by The WOW Foundation, WOW London remains a flagship of feminist cultural programming – bold, inclusive, curious and future-facing. 

Image gallery

  • Salma Hayek and Jude Kelly sit on stage in conversation. Jude wears a blue jacket with a clipboard and Salma wears a black suit and floral blouse, gesturing expressively.
  • A musician passionately sings and plays guitar onstage, with a large "Wow" logo projected behind them
  • A singer with long braided hair performs on stage, holding a microphone. A podium with a "WOW" logo is visible in the foreground.
  • Four women stand on stage clapping, wearing diverse, stylish outfits; the mood is celebratory and joyful.

About the organisers

WOW London is produced by The WOW Foundation – the UK based charity founded by Jude Kelly. As well as creating the annual festival, the small team work year-round to support the global festivals, lead the movement and work on a programme of events, projects and more to promote gender equity and using arts and culture to make change. 

Image gallery

  • Angela Davis smiling and holding a microphone on stage. Another person in the foreground is slightly blurred. Warm, engaging atmosphere.
  • Decorated paper signs with empowering messages about women are clipped to a wire grid. A central sign reads, "I am inspired by the powerful, strong force-of-nature women who make communities work in every village and town in every corner of the world.""
  • Sadiq Khan seated on a stage in a modern chair looks to the side, with a thoughtful expression. A podium with a "WoW" sign is in the foreground.
  • A panel of five women, one in a wheelchair, sit under warm lighting on a stage. The setting suggests a formal discussion or presentation.

Latest

  1. Two women sit on stage clapping

    Annie Lennox and more join WOW at 15 line-up

    More info

  2. WOW commissions new Errollyn Wallen choral piece

    More info
  3. A black and white headshot of Angela Davis, a woman with grey afro hair and glasses, she is sat down with her hand on her chin.

    Angela Davis to headline WOW celebration at Royal Albert Hall

    More info