Following the success of the inaugural event in Katherine last year, hundreds of women are expected to take part in the 2014 WOW Festival, which will transform the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre from September 12.

The celebrations will commence with an official launch  that will take the form of a Mad Hatters’ Party and Funky Fashion Parade.

In addition, an eclectic range of speakers - including  Senator Nova Peris, former director of corporate affairs for Sony Pictures Isisara Bey and prisoner-turned-solicitor Debbie Kilroy - will share their stories.

GYRACC director Cath Bowdler encouraged the community to take part.

“We started selling tickets the moment they went online and the momentum is building,” she said.

“I have been surprised by how much interest there is from interstate.

"We are selling quite a lot of tickets to people who are travelling from across Australia, the NT and elsewhere, just to come to WOW Katherine.”

Ms Bowdler said the Katherine event had become a must-do for many women after its success in 2013.

“I think it is a real coup for WOW to be in Katherine,” she explained.

“WOW Festivals are now happening across the country and the world, but Jude Kelly, the founder of WOW and artistic director of the Southbank Centre in London was really moved and impressed by the festival here last year, and has made a commitment to continuing WOW here in Katherine.

“I think it is very important for women of this region to hear and to tell their incredibly interesting and inspiring stories to people from around the country and overseas.” 

Ms Bowdler admitted she found it difficult to nominate what she was most looking forward to and said she believed that demonstrated how good the line-up was.

For more information about the festival, call 8972 3751 or visit www.gyracc.org.au.