To celebrate 100 years of women’s suffrage, Both Sides Now in co-commissioned with Edge Hill University Liverpool band Stealing Sheep and a 33-strong, all-female percussion and dance troupe to do a procession through Sound City 2018 to meaningfully celebrate the centenary of women’s suffrage while simultaneously showcasing and inspiring women in music across the north of England

It featured 15 female drummers/percussionists who were found through an open call and 15 female dancers from Edge Hill University along with the band, created and practised the performance in a week-long residency prior to the festival.

Rebecca Hawley from Stealing Sheep said “We decided a procession would be a good ode to the suffragettes, as marching symbolises their active protest,"

Brighter Sound is an innovative music charity based in Manchester and working across the UK. Our activity supports individuals through music, promotes diverse talent and acts as a catalyst for change in the music industry. We produce creative music projects and events, engaging with the wider UK music industry, and run a diverse range of programmes that connect people through music and creativity. We work extensively with young and emerging musicians, children and families, and those who experience inequality in the music industry.

Both Sides Now is Brighter Sound’s three-year programme for young and emerging female artists and up and coming industry professionals running across the North of England. The programme aims to bridge the gap in access, opportunities and career progression across the music industry, music education,and skills and training.