We’re looking forward to heading off to our partners’ feminist folk festival, The Magpies Festival, on 9-10th August. But first, we wanted to tell you a bit more about this fantastic festival’s background and how we got involved.
When the Magpies Festival started, the band hadn’t done a gig for a year. The UK and much of the world had been under lockdown from the Covid-19 Pandemic. Like many, Magpies musician, Holly Brandon, had just taken redundancy from work, while her bandmate, Bella Gaffney, was finishing up her PhD.
But Holly had a dream to launch her own festival, one where women would be represented at all levels. So, Holly and Bella went out and achieved it – something we try to teach our girls they can do every week.
“Holly had a wild dream, that it was the moment to get a festival off the ground, which is crazy when you think about it, because all the other festivals were shutting down. But Holly was innovative.” -Bella
As a festival on a mission to address some of the inequalities in the music industry, the fact that it was set-up to be adaptable is a strength.
Because it means the outdoor music venue can continue to allow those who need to maintain social distancing to attend. While the representation of women in the lineup and on the event-staff helps to create a more welcoming environment overall.
Our shared mission
As you know, GFS is on a mission to build a better, more equal world for girls and young women. And The Magpies Festival are on a mission to achieve gender equality in the music industry, making them a perfect partner for GFS.
“Women being on the lineup doesn’t detract from the festival experience. If anything, it gives you a better experience than you would have had otherwise, because you’re exposing yourself to new music.” – Bella
Our partnership with The Magpies Festival was sparked when The Magpies played a gig in Sheffield, where they met GFS Trustee, Acushla Young. Inspired by the music and what The Magpies stand for, Acushla asked if they wanted to do something with GFS.
Luckily for us, they were just as enthusiastic about the GFS mission, and we’ve enjoyed working together in the build-up to the festival, getting to know more about what makes The Magpies fantastic women role models and running a raffle fundraiser together for a stay in a five-star spa hotel in York.
And as part of creating a more welcoming environment for all, GFS will be at the Magpies Festival hosting a session during the children’s programme to help us rewrite our stories in a more gender inclusive way.
So, be sure to join GFS at The Magpies Festival to have a fun time and a positive role modelling experience for all ages: www.themagpiesfestival.co.uk