About this event

WOW North East returns following autumn’s hit festival to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 with an afternoon of local stories, inspiring interviews and (many) reasons to be hopeful.

Come and meet the latest members of The Hope Brigade, WOW’s powerful photography project celebrating women leading change across urgent global issues – from climate justice to conflict, education to healthcare. In this special North East edition, in partnership with S&DR200, WOW North East will profile 26 women – often unsung, but always extraordinary – who are working to improve the lives of women, girls and non-binary people across the region.

Hosted by WOW Founder Director Jude Kelly, the afternoon will introduce you to some of these women’s stories, in conversation with the people who inspire them. They’ll explore what brings them hope in a world where the news often feels relentless.

This event will be live captioned by My Clear Text.

For 15 years, WOW has brought millions together across six continents to celebrate women, girls, and non-binary people and inspire action – always with humour, energy, and passion.
Grab your friends and family – it’s an afternoon for everyone.

WOW NE is presented by SDR200 & WOW – Women of the World, with production by ESK. The Hope Brigade North East is part of the S&DR200 Legacy programme and is supported by the North East Combined Authority.

About WOW – Women of the World
WOW – Women of the World is a global alliance of partners, working together to drive an equal and inclusive future for women, girls and non-binary people. Our impact is delivered through festivals, events, leadership programmes and knowledge sharing. Since 2010, with 33 global delivery partners, we’ve delivered 150 festivals and programmes, across 71 places and six continents, inspiring millions of participants to take action and make change. In autumn 2025, Durham hosted the first ever WOW North East Festival to celebrate amazing people across the region.