DAREFest was set up by Lou Mclean and Ashley Stein, two musicians who met at Girl’s Rock School Edinburgh. Inspired by the phenomenal talent coming out of their local music scene but still unimpressed with the industries attitude towards women, they decided to start a one day festival designed to empower all women to take on the Scottish music scene. This event will not just be focused on performing, but on organising and building up resilience and skills for music performance & feminist activism.

Event Timeline:

1200 – Doors & Registration

12.15 - 1pm: Speaking Out Project (Women's Aid) Feminist Pin Badge Making Station - We are really excited to have the amazing Speaking Out Project coming down to share their badge making expertise. Pin badges have always been an important part of any DIY movement. Get involved and create your own empowering pins!

1.15pm - 2pm: DIY Tour Management - This workshop will cover in detail how to organise and promote a UK tour whether you’re in a band or are interested in becoming a book agent.

2pm - 2.40pm Lunch Break

2.45pm - 3.30pm: How to be a badass: Verbal & emotional self-defence for women in music - This workshop will discuss different issues experienced by women in music, and how to address them with confidence.

3.45pm - 4.45pm – Group Discussion

1700 – Close Daytime event

7.30pm - Night time event: A night of music from a range of talented musicians headlined by The Violt Kind with support from Fistymuffs and Lou Mclean.