WOW – Women of the World has announced the first events for WOW London Festival 2027, with Gisèle Pelicot and Tarana Burke set to headline a special conversation marking 10 years since the global #MeToo movement.
The festival returns to the Southbank Centre from 5 to 7 March 2027 to coincide with International Women’s Day celebrations, bringing together speakers, activists, artists, musicians, comedians and campaigners for three days of talks, performances, workshops and debates.
Headlining the festival on Friday night, Pelicot and Burke will appear in conversation for the first time, joined by WOW Founder Jude Kelly.
The event will explore themes of justice, survival, solidarity and social change, alongside discussion of Pelicot’s memoir A Hymn to Life, which became a number one bestseller on hardback publication and will be released in paperback at the time of the festival.
Pelicot became a global figure in 2024 after waiving her anonymity in a landmark sexual violence case in France, while Burke has spent more than 25 years campaigning on issues including sexual violence and racial justice, having founded the Me Too movement in 2006.
Tarana Burke, Chief Vision Officer at me too. International commented: “I’m so excited to join WOW again and be in conversation with Gisèle Pelicot, who is an inspiration for all of us. I’m looking forward to bringing this critical conversation about autonomy and safety to the WOW audience.”
Jude Kelly, Founder of WOW – Women of the World Foundation commented: “We are delighted to be bringing the WOW Festival back to London in 2027 for what will be a truly unforgettable festival – bringing thousands of people of all genders together to explore how to imagine and build an equal world. For more than 15 years, WOW – Women of the World has brought people together in cities across the world, from Sydney to Karachi and Rio, to have meaningful and open conversations. As always, we’ll be discussing the most critical subjects of our time alongside moments of pure joy and celebration.
“To welcome Gisèle Pelicot and Tarana Burke to the stage, together for the first time, is an honour. Their extraordinary work exploring justice, courage and the impact of collective action is vital as we work together to shape the future of gender equality.”
Alongside the headline event, festival day passes will give audiences access to a programme covering topics including women’s rights, disability activism, technology, sex, consent, youth activism, work and cultural change.
The 2027 festival will also bring together WOW’s Shameless! and Boys and Men strands for the first time, offering dedicated discussions on ending sexual violence and engaging men and boys in conversations around gender equality and modern masculinity.
Further programming and speakers for WOW London Festival 2027 will be announced in the coming months. Early Bird tickets for Gisèle Pelicot and Tarana Burke in Conversation and discounted day passes are now being released ahead of general sale.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
