Help plan the WOW Festival

Southbank Centre’s WOW - Women of the World - festival is set to return to the Maiden City this November as part of Derry City Council and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Legacy Fund Programme.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Aug 2014, 09:00 BST

The festival celebrates the achievements of women and talks about the obstacles that women face across the world. Launched in March 2011 in London to coincide with the centenary of International Women’s Day, it is being organised locally by the North West Women’s Collective in partnership with Southbank Centre.

In preparation for the festival, a number of ‘think in’ planning sessions will take place in the city to provide local people with the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas about what the WOW festival here could and should be about. The ‘think ins’ are an ideal chance for women and men to discuss what they would like to see represented, and what they believe the most relevant topics for women in the city and beyond are today.

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NWWC is holding three separate ‘think in’ sessions as follows: Thursday, August 7, 7pm to 9pm; Friday, August 8, 10am to 1pm, and Saturday, August 9, 2pm to 4pm in the Playhouse.

Phil Mahon, chairwoman of the Collective, said: “Last year’s festival was part of the City of Culture 2013 programme and was a huge success. Lots of audience members told us we ought to make it an annual event so we’re delighted that Derry City Council and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland are supporting WOW through the Legacy Fund as part of the legacy plans.”

The Mayor, Brenda Stevenson said she was delighted Derry City Council was supporting the festival: “I’m really pleased that the Festival is going ahead for a second year. It’s a fantastic addition to the city’s events calendar and is a great opportunity to celebrate the important role of women in our society and to showcase the city as part of our legacy promise.”

Those interested in attending think in sessions, are asked to apply through Eventbrite at http://wowderry2014.eventbrite.co.uk, or email [email protected] by 5pm on Tuesday, August 5, indicating which of the sessions you wish to attend.

For further information contact [email protected]

More information about the WOW network is available online at http://wow.southbankcentre.co.uk/