Pillow Queens, Dani Larkin and more to feature as part of Women's Work 2021

The Oh Yeah Music Centre has unveiled the programme for the fifth edition of Women’s Work – taking place online from June 17th to 20th. The festival, which is an annual celebration of women in music, will feature a range of activities open to all genders, including showcases, gigs, special events, panels, talks, and workshops.

One of the highlights of the programme includes a collective cover of ‘Running Up That Hill’ by Kate Bush. Following a call out for participants, Women’s Work will showcase the results as an online effort led by  Katie Richardson – with the video supporting efforts to raise funds for Women’s Aid.

Following her remarkable appearance on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series, Dani Larkin will launch her highly anticipated debut album Notes for a Maiden Warrior on June 17, as part of the festival. She'll also feature as part of the Oh Yeah Getting To Know series on June 19 – will Pillow Queens also featuring on June 18.

The festival also includes a performance from Kate Nicholson via the Accidental Theatre. The Lunchbox Sessions will feature daily music from Sara Ryan, Míde Houlihan and Winnie Ama; while the Magy’s Farm Sessions will feature five artists from University of Ulster Music: Niamh Murray, Cara Quinn, Rhian Brownlow, Clodagh May and Lara O’Donnell.

Isobel Anderson, host of the acclaimed music podcast Girls Twiddling Knobs, will present a special live episode with a panel of special guests. There are also workshops with Siobhan Brown, Theodora Byrne, Amanda St John, Brigid O'Neill and many more.

Discussion panels will include: ‘I Am My Song’ hosted by Beyond Skin & Afghan National Institute of Music; Linda Coogan Byrne and Siobhan McAndrew discussing the ‘Why Not Her?’ campaign; and Lynette Fay and Dr Úna Monaghan discussing Sexism In Irish Traditional Music.

You can also look forward to the Mothers In Music Showcase, as well as access to the Julie McLarnon documentary The Psychology of Analogue. The festival also  includes presentations, talks and advice sessions from the likes of Safe In Sound, Nadia Khan & Claire Rose (Women in CTRL), Francesca O'Connor (Make Waves Management) and Gemma Bradley (BBC Radio 1).

“Women’s Work is a celebration of the multi-genre females at work, both on and off the stage, in Ireland," comments Charlene Hegarty, Talent Development Manager at Oh Yeah and the festival’s coordinator. "I am delighted it's back for a 5th year and burning brighter than ever. The programme is just a snapshot and it brings me incredible joy to work in collaboration with these talented and creative women. I hope you enjoy what we have planned for you."

See womensworkni.co.uk for more information.