WOW’s millionth ticket was purchased by Glenys Cowley of Auckland, who along with her sister is being upgraded to a money-can't-buy ‘golden ticket’ WOW experience, including a WOW glam session, Stageside Plus tickets with backstage tour, pre-show treats and more.
Glenys says the news of her millionth ticket windfall was surreal. "Getting that phone call was just incredible. WOW is such a highlight. I was already very excited about this year's show, but going as the millionth ticket purchased is something else. It's made my year!
This year’s event will be her third time at the show, and she says it’s the combination of fashion, art and visual spectacle that keeps her coming back for more. "The first year I didn't quite know what to expect, but I was blown away. Every show is different, and alongside the amazing wearable art, it’s the music and the performers - all the creativity on that stage is so inspiring."
WOW Chief Executive Meg Williams says New Zealanders’ support of WOW have made it the global success story it is.
“WOW was born from a clear vision: taking art off the wall and bringing it to life in awe-inspiring ways. Its growth came through tenacity, irrepressible creativity and, importantly, a commitment to never stand still. That’s really resonated with people all over the country and world.
“To sell one million tickets is an immense milestone for any event globally, so this is pretty special. I applaud our Founder Dame Suzie Moncrieff and thousands of wearable art designers, cast, crew, team members and volunteers for what we have built together over the years.”
Constant evolution and the sense of community and fun among show attendees is key to WOW’s enduring success.
"We create a brand-new WOW Show every year and see near perfect satisfaction from our guests, who are a mix of loyal audience and plenty of new bookers. The WOW Show is special as an experience that can be shared and enjoyed across generations and tastes. We have the most passionate, engaged fans and we wouldn’t be here, or celebrating this milestone, without them.”
Welcoming the one millionth ticket buyer to 2025 WOW Show: RISE at Wellington’s TSB Arena in September is a long way from WOW’s humble origins under a rain-soaked marquee in Nelson 38 years ago in 1987.
The first WOW was developed as a promotion for an art gallery run by event founder Dame Suzie Moncrieff and a group of friends. With the show a roaring success, Dame Suzie and her sister Heather Palmer took the show to Nelson’s Trafalgar Centre, setting WOW on its path to becoming the unique and world-renowned fusion of wearable art, music, dance, and theatricality that it has become today.
In 2005, WOW moved to Wellington’s TSB Arena to accommodate audience growth, becoming a fixture on the capital’s cultural calendar. The show is now attended by around 60,000 people each year.
WOW Executive Creative Director Brian Burke says he loves the challenge of reinventing the show each year.
“There is simply nothing like WOW anywhere in the world – and to reach one million ticket buyers is an incredible milestone. To be thriving almost 40 years on is such a testament to Dame Suzie’s vision, tenacity and the many thousands of Kiwis who have worked on WOW over the years, as well as the million who have joined us.”
The 2025 WOW Show: RISE is on at Wellington's TSB Arena from 18 September - 5 October. Tickets are on sale now at worldofwearableart.com