Women of the World Festival Announces 2027 Return to London
The Women of the World festival, widely known as WOW, has officially announced its highly anticipated return to London in 2027. This global celebration, dedicated to women, girls, and non-binary individuals, will take place at its original home, the Southbank Centre, marking a significant homecoming for the event.
Festival Details and Historical Background
Founded in 2010 by theatre director Jude Kelly CBE during her tenure as artistic director at the Southbank Centre, WOW has grown into a monumental international phenomenon. Over the years, it has staged an impressive 150 festivals across the globe, including in countries such as Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Finland, Greece, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Somaliland, and the United States. The festival's success underscores its role as a leading platform for discussions on gender equality and social justice.
In 2027, the flagship London edition is scheduled to occupy the Royal Festival Hall from March 5 to March 7. While the specific lineup remains confidential at this time, organizers have confirmed that the event will feature a diverse array of participants, including speakers, activists, musicians, artists, and comedians. Past editions have boasted notable figures like Angela Davis, Annie Lennox, Patrick Stewart, Malala Yousafzai, and Salma Hayek, setting high expectations for the upcoming festival.
Activism and Collaborative Efforts
In preparation for the 2027 festival, WOW recently hosted a roundtable discussion on March 10, 2026, focusing on the critical issue of violence against women and girls. This gathering brought together over 20 experts from various sectors, including government, business, philanthropy, the arts, and non-profit organizations. The dialogue aimed to inspire collaborative action, with outcomes expected to directly influence the programming for the 2027 event.
Statistics from the National Police Chief's Council highlight the urgency of this topic, revealing that in 2025, one woman was killed by a man every three days, and one in twelve women experienced violence. In response, WOW will reintroduce its Shameless! Festival of Activism Against Sexual Violence, which debuted in 2021, as a key component of the 2027 festivities.
Inclusive Programming and Future Initiatives
Beyond addressing violence, WOW is committed to fostering inclusive conversations around gender equality by actively engaging boys and men. To advance this goal, the festival is co-presenting the MenCare Changemaker Summit with the global gender equality charity Equimundo in Rio de Janeiro in May 2026. This initiative seeks to reshape narratives around masculinity and promote broader participation in equality efforts.
Looking ahead to the London festival, organizers plan to announce the initial lineup in the coming months, with early bird passes set to go on sale during the summer of 2026. This strategic rollout aims to build anticipation and ensure broad accessibility for attendees eager to participate in this landmark event.
The return of the Women of the World festival to London in 2027 promises to be a transformative experience, blending artistic expression with impactful activism to continue the vital conversation on equality and justice.
