A Powerhouse Line-Up for International Women’s Day 2025
Feminist legends, world-class musicians, and groundbreaking activists are coming together for WOW at 15, a once-in-a-lifetime celebration at the Royal Albert Hall on 8 March 2025.
From Angela Davis making a rare UK appearance to Annie Lennox, Anoushka Shankar, and Sandi Toksvig, the event will be a mix of big ideas, unforgettable performances, and a whole lot of joy. If ever there was an International Women’s Day to mark in your calendar, this is it.
Annie Lennox and Jude Kelly in Conversation
Rock royalty meets feminist activism as Annie Lennox, the iconic Eurythmics star and founder of The Circle, joins WOW Founder Jude Kelly CBE in a powerful conversation. Expect reflections on a lifetime of pushing boundaries, championing gender equity, and making noise—both on stage and off.
Annie Lennox says, “I’m thrilled to be celebrating International Women’s Day at WOW’s 15th anniversary event. I’m passionately dedicated to amplifying the concept of ‘Global Feminism’ and empowering women and girls everywhere. It’s going to be such a joyful evening.”
Angela Davis Headlines WOW at 15
Angela Davis, the legendary activist and scholar, is set to take the stage for a rare UK appearance in conversation with Jude Kelly. She’ll explore the role of love in activism, hope, healing, and her dreams for the future. If that wasn’t enough, she’ll also share her passion for the Blues—because no revolution is complete without a soundtrack.
The Power of Music in Activism
Music has always been at the heart of movements for change, and WOW at 15 will take that conversation to the next level. A stellar panel featuring Annie Lennox, Anoushka Shankar, multi-award-winning composer Errollyn Wallen CBE, and musician Jordan Stephens will discuss the impact of music in activism.
Anoushka Shankar, the eleven-time GRAMMY-nominated sitarist and composer, will also perform, blending Indian classical music with contemporary sounds in a performance that promises to be unforgettable.
Sandi Toksvig, Liz Carr, and More Join the Line-Up
The evening will also see broadcaster and comedian Sandi Toksvig, actor and disability rights activist Liz Carr, and a host of other changemakers sharing their stories, their insights, and—no doubt—a few surprises.
A Choral Premiere Featuring 150 Voices
To kick off the night, audiences will witness the world premiere of a newly commissioned choral piece by Errollyn Wallen CBE, performed by 150 women, girls, and non-binary singers aged 8 to 80. The choir includes voices from Mulberry School for Girls, St Boniface School, and Lips Choir, a London-based trans-inclusive women’s choir.
If that wasn’t enough, the Royal Albert Hall’s legendary 9,999-pipe organ will roar to life with a brand-new fanfare composed by Isobel Waller-Bridge and performed by organist Anna Lapwood.
15 Years of WOW Festivals Changing the Game
Over the past 15 years, WOW Festivals have reached 71 locations across six continents. They’ve welcomed five million people worldwide, tackled taboo subjects, supported activists, and sparked countless campaigns.
WOW at 15 is just the beginning of a year-long celebration of everything the Women of the World movement has achieved—and everything still to come.
