Girls Friendly Society

We're excited to announce that The Magpies Festival is partnering with 150 year old charity, Girls Friendly Society (GFS), for a third year.

Today, GFS exists to create a world where all girls and young women can thrive. But girls as young as six are telling GFS they are not able to be themselves. Working primarily in areas of disadvantage, GFS groups offer girls a safe place to build their confidence, test their limits, access new opportunities and learn to be themselves.

We are partnered with GFS, because we believe in the importance of positively influencing girls and young women.

GFS girls and staff said last year's festival was one of their highlights of the year: 'We're so pleased to be partnering with The Magpies Festival again. Not only does the event offer an exciting experience for GFS girls, which helps them develop and try new things, but there is an excellent opportunity for them to see women as role models across the music industry through The Magpies' mission for gender parity. This is a great example of value aligned partnership working and connectivity between women and girls' organisations.'

At The Magpies Festival, we are set on championing gender equality in the music industry, achieving gender parity in both line-up and staff, and providing a safe and comfortable environment for female musicians and festival goers. 

Festival Director, Holly Brandon, says 'as women in the music industry, we've faced obstacles in our careers, due to our gender. Women are under-represented in the industry at large, both as musicians and behind the scenes. It's hugely important to us that girls see themselves represented and can realise the opportunities that are out there for them. We're so proud to be working alongside a charity that shares our vision to inspire and empower girls to be free to be themselves.'