A thriving grassroots movement of women-led punk bands is reshaping local music scenes across the UK, just as Sally Wainwright's new BBC drama Riot Women brings female punk to television screens this Sunday. The show reflects a reality already in full swing, with all-women garage punk bands multiplying and bringing diverse audiences to live venues.
In Leicester, Ruth Miller's Unglamorous Music project, now the Riotous Collective, sparked the trend in 2022. Cathy Loughead, a member, recalls: 'When we began, there were no all-women garage punk bands here. Within a year, there were seven. Now there are 20 – and counting.' The collective has spread globally, with groups in Finland and Australia.
The movement is revitalising local music economies. 'There are music venues across the UK thriving thanks to women punk bands,' says Loughead. 'So are rehearsal studios, music teaching and coaching, production spaces.' Bands are also diversifying audiences, making venues feel safer and more inclusive.
Carol Reid of Youth Music links the rise to broader societal frustrations: 'Women have been sold a dream of equality. But gender-based violence is at epidemic levels, the far right is using women to peddle hate, and we're gaslit over issues like the menopause. Women are fighting back – through music.' Toni Coe-Brooker of the Music Venue Trust notes that grassroots venues are booking more inclusive bills and building safer spaces.
The scene is gaining mainstream traction. The Nova Twins are on their first headline UK tour; Lambrini Girls' debut album reached No. 16 in the UK charts; Panic Shack were nominated for the 2025 Welsh Music Prize; and Problem Patterns won the 2024 Northern Ireland Music Prize. Leicester will host the first Riot Fest later this month, featuring 25 all-women bands.
Older women are a key part of the movement. Viv Peto, 79, a washboard player in the horMones punk band, says: 'Now I'm old, all constraints are gone and I can do what I like.' Her song includes the chorus: 'So shout out, fuck it / It's my time! / The stage is mine! / I'm 79 / And in my fucking prime.' Maura Bite of She-Bite adds: 'Women were the original punks. We had to smash things up to be heard. We still do!'
