The WOW festival celebrates women, girls and non-binary people and will feature a series of events, talks, workshops, and performances.
Having launched back in 2010, WOW festivals have taken place in more than 30 locations across 6 different continents, reaching more than three million people to date.
This is the first WOW festival to take place in Rotherham and will be held over the weekend of Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 July 2022 in the town’s Clifton Park.
The two day festival will celebrate community, culture, and entrepreneurialism with artists local, national and international taking part in the event. Aiming to tackle the subjects that matter most to women, girls and non-binary people, the festival is open to people from all walks of life, however they identify.
Image: WOW Rotherham
The weekend’s main stage will kick off with a welcome address from WOW Festival organisers from across the globe including founder Jude Kelly and entrepreneur Dame Julie Kenny.
The welcome will be followed by WOW Big Ideas, a platform for short talks about pressing conversations and important ideas for change. Speakers will include award-winning cultural producer and freelance marketer Annalisa Toccara, campaigners and activists The 3 Hijabis who are calling for racists to be banned for life from all football matches in England and senior critical care nurse Charmaine Mutsago.
Image: WOW Rotherham
And that is only the start of it, the entire weekend will be jam-packed with thought provoking, important conversations and workshops for you to fully immerse yourself in.
Not only that but there will also be plenty of opportunities for you to kick back and relax, WOW Rotherham will be hosting a diverse marketplace filled with female makers and organisations, featuring a number of stalls selling hand-crafted gifts, a clothes swap stall and many more. There will also be a food and drink area to keep you refreshed throughout the weekend.
Image: WOW Rotherham
Jude Kelly CBE, CEO and Founder of The WOW Foundation said: “WOW Rotherham is going to be a wonderful and joyful celebration of the women and girls whose stories, achievements and resilience can help build a new chapter in the history of the town."
"The WOW local producers are using their huge energy to build an equal, just and safe world where the women, girls, trans and non-binary communities of Rotherham can flourish.”
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Clementine Hall -
7th July 2022 
