Forty-five international music festivals have pledged a 50/50 gender-equal lineup split by 2022, it has been confirmed.

The movement comes as part of an initiative set up by PRS Foundation called Keychange and will see the inclusive festivals will implement the change across their live music acts, conference talks and commissions.

The BBC Proms, Kendal Calling, Sŵn, and Liverpool Sound City are leading the way in the UK while Canada’s BreakOut West and North by North East, New York’s Winter Jazzfest and A2IM Indie Week welcome the international inclusion.

Vanessa Reed, CEO of PRS Foundation, said: “The push for gender parity across society continues and with increased public awareness of inequalities across the creative industries, we have an opportunity to respond and commit to tangible change in music … I hope that this will be the start of a more balanced industry which will result in benefits for everyone.”

Other leading events such as Bluedot, Cheltenham music and Jazz festivals and the Introducing stages the BBC hosts across various festivals are included.