IN FOCUS
HERFEST After the release of the shocking Summer 2017 festival statistics, stating that only 14% of all acts across all UK festivals were femaleidentifying, the passion for change reached a new peak and the founders decided to take matters into their own hands. Her Music PR, a female ran, female-focused music PR agency, joined forces with social enterprise Come Play With Me and the idea for HERFEST was born, an allday music event celebrating female-identifying musicians and marginalised genders. Since its launch at the Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, in October 2018, the stage has been graced by many an impressive name. Liverpool’s art-pop sensations "Stealing Sheep’ hit the ground running in 2018 followed by
the prestigious band "The Orielles’ headlining a sell-out show in 2019. 2020’s line-up promises another fantastic day, showcasing more amazing female-identifying talent and is immensely proud to have GIRLI headlining their stage this year. With her music highlighting extremely important topics such as feminism, sexuality, queer culture, and mental health, GIRLI mirrors HERFEST’s ethos and passion for change perfectly. GIRLI says: “I've been waiting a long time to play an allfemale/femme line-up, and HERFEST is a breath of fresh air. It's funny that having anfemale line-up for a festival is such a piece of news, as most people wouldn't (and don't) bat an eyelid at all-male or majority male line-ups, which 58
are still all too common.” Supporting headline PEANESS also back the ethos saying “We can't wait to get back out and play, and what makes it sweeter is getting back on stage to perform surrounded by like-minded people! Local talent PEAKES are the third headline gracing the stage this year and lead singer Molly Puckering says: "We're really excited to be a part of HERFEST this year! It shouldn't be a novelty to get to play alongside so many incredible female musicians but sadly it is. That's what makes events like HERFEST even more necessary! HERFEST would like to thank PRS for Music Foundation, Brighter Sounds, Arts Council England, Youth Music and Leeds Inspired, as it has been made possible by their generosity and support.
