WOW Rotherham will return on Saturday 10th May with a bumper programme of free activities across the town centre to celebrate the borough becoming the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture.
Now in its 15th year, WOW – Women of the World is a fearless celebration of women, girls, trans and non-binary communities. Taking place in the heart of Rotherham for the fourth year running, this year’s WOW festival promises workshops, talks, performances, art exhibitions and pop-ups designed to bring communities together.
The festival hub in All Saints’ Square will host everything from drop-in workshops with artist Morag Myerscough to create a giant mural, to thought-provoking panel conversations around street safety and media influence in schools.
Meanwhile artist Saroj Patel will transform Rotherham Minster into a vibrant garden for WOW Rotherham. Flowers of the Earth is inspired by the rich traditions of Hindu culture and will be suspended from the ceiling of the Minster to encourage ‘quiet contemplation and wonder’ underneath.
There will also be evening events at WOW Rotherham this year, including the Big Fatt Pool Party at Rotherham Leisure Centre with special guests from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, and a Drag Night at the Three Cranes.
Leanne Buchan, Head of Creative Programming and Engagement at Rotherham Council, explains: “From children’s theatre celebrating diversity to hip hop beats, to a quartet of extremely miffed unicorns, aerial hoop performances and workshops and pop-up performances from the borough’s finest young musicians, we have a bumper programme of performances to keep you entertained at WOW Rotherham this year.”
Events will take place across All Saints’ Square, Minster Gardens, the High Street, Grimm & Co, Forge Island and the bus station from 11.00am. WOW Rotherham Festival is a collaboration between RMBC Events, WOW Foundation, Children’s Capital of Culture, Flux Rotherham and Rotherham Music Hub. To find out more, visit wow.fluxrotherham.org.uk.