UK Music Festivals: 63% All-Male Acts, Gender Gap Persists
In a striking revelation, a recent report by A2D2 highlights a significant gender imbalance in the UK music festival scene. Despite Glastonbury‘s historic move to feature more female headliners this year, the broader landscape tells a different story. An analysis of the ten most popular UK festivals reveals that men are booked three times more frequently than women, with 63% of acts being either all-male or male-led.
Creamfields stands out as one of the least representative festivals, with a staggering 80.9% male lineup. Parklife follows closely behind, featuring 76.5% male acts. On the other end of the spectrum, TRNSMT Festival leads in female representation, yet still falls short of parity with 31.7% female acts compared to 51.2% male.
The data paints a concerning picture: half of the studied festivals have female representation in the 20% range, with only two breaking the 30% barrier. This disparity extends beyond the stage, as Peter Fealey, founder of A2D2, notes a similar lack of female representation among crew members.
“It’s 2024, and it’s disappointing to see such an imbalance. There’s a wealth of incredible female talent out there, and festival lineups should reflect the diversity of the music scene.“
This gender gap raises questions about industry practices and the need for more inclusive booking policies. As the music world evolves, addressing this imbalance becomes crucial for fostering a more diverse and representative festival experience.
The full report, available online, provides a detailed breakdown of gender splits across UK festivals in 2024, offering valuable insights into the industry’s current state and potential areas for improvement.
News Source: Mixmag / Becky Buckle | Image Source: Vishnu R Nair
