Annie Lennox, Sharon Van Etten and Angela Davis to headline Royal Albert Hall's International Women’s Day programme

Matthew Todd, Director of Programming at the Royal Albert Hall, said: “We’re proud to have such an exciting and varied line-up around this year’s International Women’s Day, showcasing world-renowned activists, world-class athletes and once-in-a-generation artists, and culminating with Women of the World’s 15th anniversary celebration on International Women’s Day itself”.

The week of events kicks off on 5 March with Barbie screened in full, as its soundtrack is performed live on stage. The Barbie Land Sinfonietta will be conducted by Macy Schmidt, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree who orchestrated the score for the event and recently became the first woman-of-colour orchestrator in Broadway history.

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Music icon Annie Lennox performs her first headline show in the UK since 2019 the following night, with a fundraising concert to support the global feminist organisation that she founded, The Circle. The event is hosted by Clara Amfo, and includes special appearances by artists Celeste, Ríoghnach Connolly and Nadine Shah, and photographer and activist, Misan Harriman.

On International Women’s Day itself, Women of the World will celebrate a landmark anniversary with WOW at 15, presented by founder Jude Kelly. The evening will comprise conversation, stories and music, with headline interviewee Angela Davis making her first UK appearance since 2018. Other speakers include Annie Lennox, Sandi Toksvig, musician Jordan Stephens, actor and disability activist Liz Carr, and Master of the King’s Music, Errollyn Wallen CBE. Two nights later, Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory will perform at the Hall, supported by special guest Nabihah Iqbal.