Why No Female Headliners at TRNSMT Festival Again?
The TRNSMT Festival, Scotland’s largest music festival, has come under fire once again for its lack of female headliners. This marks the ninth year in a row that the festival has failed to book any female-fronted acts for its main stage. The announcement of the headliners for the upcoming festival has sparked renewed debate about gender equality in the music industry and the representation of women in headline slots.
Criticism and Backlash
The organisers of TRNSMT Festival have faced criticism from music fans, industry professionals, and advocacy groups for their failure to include female headliners in the lineup. Many have taken to social media to express their disappointment and frustration with the lack of diversity in the festival’s programming.
One Twitter user wrote, “It’s 2026, and we’re still seeing all-male headliners at major music festivals. When will the industry start giving women the recognition they deserve?” Another commented, “It’s unacceptable that a festival of this scale continues to overlook talented female artists in favour of male acts.”
Gender Disparity in the Music Industry
The lack of female headliners at TRNSMT Festival is not an isolated incident. Gender disparity in the music industry is a pervasive issue that has been brought to the forefront in recent years. Studies have shown that women are significantly underrepresented in festival lineups, with male artists consistently dominating headline slots.
According to a report by the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, only 22% of popular music artists between 2012 and 2018 were female. This lack of representation extends to festival lineups, where women are often relegated to smaller stages or early time slots. The failure to book female headliners not only perpetuates gender inequality in the music industry but also sends a message to young aspiring musicians that their voices are not valued.
The Need for Change
The absence of female headliners at TRNSMT Festival highlights the urgent need for change in the music industry. Concert promoters, festival organisers, and record labels must take proactive steps to address gender disparity and promote diversity in their programming. By actively seeking out and booking talented female artists for headline slots, festivals can help to level the playing field and showcase the incredible talent that exists within the industry.
Many music fans and advocacy groups have called on TRNSMT Festival and other major events to adopt gender-inclusive booking practices and commit to featuring a more diverse range of artists. Initiatives such as Keychange, which aims to achieve gender balance in festival lineups, are paving the way for a more inclusive and representative music industry.
The Future of TRNSMT Festival
As TRNSMT Festival prepares for its upcoming edition, the pressure is on for organisers to address the lack of female headliners in their lineup. The festival has the opportunity to lead by example and showcase a diverse range of talent on its main stage. By booking female headliners and supporting gender equality in the music industry, TRNSMT Festival can send a powerful message about the importance of inclusivity and representation.
It remains to be seen whether TRNSMT Festival will heed the calls for change and make a concerted effort to include female headliners in future editions. The music industry as a whole is undergoing a period of reflection and transformation, and festivals like TRNSMT have a crucial role to play in shaping a more equitable and inclusive future for all artists.