Festival is sure to have WOW factor
Scotland’s only Women of the World event, WOW Perth is running for the third year this weekend.
There will be thoughtprovoking films, inspiring presentations, a pub style quiz, exciting speakers and even cool tunes to finish with on Saturday night.
The event programmer, Alexandra Lort-Phillips explained what to expect on Saturday in a range of locations inside Perth Theatre.
She said: “The popular marketplace and speed mentoring will take place as usual, but there are some new features this year to make sure there is something to appeal to as wide a range of women and men as possible.”
She explained that Saturday’s programme has a visual treat in the morning. “This year we are delighted to be joined by Take One Action! an award-winning human rights film festival with 12 specially selected short films, from 10.15am12.30pm,” said Alexandra.
“Tales of Sisterhood will be introduced by Lisa HoughStewart, chair of Take One Action and co-hosted by Jill Moody from Perth Film Society.
“Then WOW Perth’s afternoon events begin at 2pm with introductions from Christina McKelvie, MSP and Jude Kelly CBE.
“‘Big Thinkin’, a big conversation and the main event is from 3.05pm-4pm in The Joan Knight Studio, 10 subjects around 10 tables, allowing participants to meet with and exchange ideas on themes relating to gender equality.
“To give you an idea of what’s covered, there’s care at home, Scotland and racism, climate cafe climate crisis, men and toxic masculinity, shame, joy and the body, LGBTQI+ and gender equality, women and disabilities, women on the breadline, motherhood, and women and creativity.
“A late addition to this table event worth a mention is director Muriel Romanes and playwright Sylvia Dow ,who are willing to talk about their new piece of work which is going to consider the life of poet and nature writer, Nan Shepherd..
“Another partner for WOW Perth this year is The Saltire Societywhose induction programme from 6pm, ‘Outstanding Women of Scotland’, is proving to be a popular booking at this year’s WOW.
“Comedian Lubna Kerr introduces the evening event in which local young women are going to present 10 inductees with limited edition prints to recognise their outstanding contributions in their fields.
“The event will be celebratory and followed by relaxed, informal networking closes at 10pm after a set from Perth Theatre’s own female Northern Soul DJ, Jennie Baillie. This, like everything else, is free but ticketed.”
Alexandra explained that the result of Perth staging the event the last two years has been positive: “Perth has responded enthusiastically to previously WOW festivals and events. Perth Women’s Collective was established by local women in the wake of last year’s WOW and meets monthly at Perth Theatre and strengthens connections between local women.”
Keynote speaker Christina McKelvie MSP said: “It is important that we continue to have conversations to challenge gender inequality and build support for change in schools, workplaces and in our homes, as well as in places where power sits and decisions are made.
“This festival is also a great opportunity to do this and to highlight to young women the importance of their role in eradicating gender inequality through raising and using their voices.”
Book your free tickets for all tomorrow’s events at www.wowperth.co.uk or from Horsecross Arts on 01738 621031.