Wellington celebrates best WOW ticket sales yet

On Sunday night the 2014 World of WearableArt awards show closed – marking the end of a hugely successful season. More than 53,000 tickets were sold this year across 15 shows, an increase of 13% on 2013.

"This year’s show has been an absolute success - with more people than ever before experiencing the magic of WOW during our three-week season” says WOW Founder Dame Suzie Moncrieff.

"Wellington continues to embrace WOW and delight our audience with the excitement and buzz that fills the city."

Wellington has been home to the WOW awards show for ten years, having moved from Nelson to accommodate a continually increasing number of show-goers. Since its move audience numbers have continued to grow, and to meet increased demand this year a third weekend of shows was added.

Councillor Jo Coughlan, chair of Council’s Economic Growth and Arts Committee says that the continued increase in ticket sales shows that Wellington’s investment in WOW is paying off.

“In 2012 we signed a nine year partnership deal with WOW, and since then the show has continued to grow, providing clear benefits for the Wellington economy.”

“As well as bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the city, pumping money into our retail and hospitality sectors, this year WOW employed more than 500 people in Wellington. Last year the show bought in more than $22.6million to the city, and with an extra weekend and more tickets sold, we anticipate this will be even higher this year.”

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says “WOW plays a huge part in Wellington’s reputation as the events capital of New Zealand for residents and visitors alike.

“This has been a superb year for WOW – from winning the NZAEP Best New Zealand Owned Major Event award, to hosting the Shaolin Kungfu Monks, and entertaining more show goers than ever before. We are proud to host and support WOW in Wellington and we look forward to 2015.”

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