by Ben MacDonald

Music fans and artists across the country are scratching their heads at yet another festival confirming a line up with a lack of female representation.

Reading and Leeds Festival announced the first batch of artists that will play in the two cities in August, with just two female acts in a list of 18 that will perform on the festival’s Main Stage over the three day period.

Radio One DJ Annie Mac voiced her concern over the lineup, insisting that girls should attend knowing they too can appear on the stage.

The backlash follows on from a statement by TRNSMT Festival organiser Geoff Ellis, who claimed that a 50:50 balance between male and female acts at music festivals will still take “a while” before it comes into fruition.

Hannah Van Thompson, singer and guitarist for Glasgow-based act The Van T’s, has voiced her concerns over the lack of female representation when the acts are available. Van Thompson, who’s band supported the Foo Fighters at their Bellahouston Park concert last August, said:

“There is a severe under-representation of women at music festivals. It’s a frustrating concept that those who identify as a women aren’t being given the platform they deserve. We have always had such support from the promoter and organisers of festivals like TRNSMT since day one, so from an inside perspective we have been given a platform and opportunites on a number of occasions. It’s just unfortunate that such a popular festival based within Glasgow, others haven’t been given the same opportunity.”

“With there being such diverse music and artists in Scotland and the UK, I really don’t see why a balanced gender ratio can’t be achieved within festival line-ups. We have always tried to promote equality in music since day one. We have been up against all male line-ups for the best part of 6 years. It’s only within the last couple of years, it’s wonderful to see women claiming the stage, slowly making an even playing field.”