Our thanks to Jeff for this. Extracts:

“Last year, on average, women made up 26% of the festival line-ups in the UK, so we’re talking about doubling that in a five-year timeframe,” said Vanessa Reed, CEO of the PRS Foundation.

“That’s quite ambitious but it’s achievable.”…

Melvin Benn, MD of Festival Republic, which arranges the event, [J4MB: the Wireless festival] told the BBC that his bookers had tried to secure more female acts.

“18 female artists were approached to play Wireless Fest this year, only three of which were secured for our first announcement.” he said.

“Certain artists were unable to commit due to touring schedules or other reasons. In an ideal world, all 18 would have confirmed and we would be having a different conversation.”